1976 Holden Statesman vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,040 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Holden Statesman. (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 220 kg more than 1976 Holden Statesman. 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, 1976 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Statesman | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Statesman | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5040 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
