1978 Talbot Horizon vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Talbot Horizon would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 366 more horse power than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 840 kg more than 1978 Talbot Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Talbot Horizon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 609 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Talbot Horizon | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Talbot | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Horizon | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2585 mm |
