1976 Dodge Aspen vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 275 kg more than 1976 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Dodge Aspen | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Aspen | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
