1978 Mazda 929 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 929. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 660 kg more than 1978 Mazda 929. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 929 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 929 | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
