1979 Bitter Diplomat vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bitter Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bitter Diplomat would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1144 kg more than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. (419 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Bitter Diplomat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bitter Diplomat | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Diplomat | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 419 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
