1978 Lada 1600 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 730 kg more than 1978 Lada 1600. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Lada 1600 has manual transmission. 1978 Lada 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1600 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1600 | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 80 L |
