1979 Mazda Montrose vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 750 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda Montrose | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Montrose | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
