1980 Audi Sport vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Audi Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Audi Sport would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Audi Sport. (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Audi Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 840 kg more than 1980 Audi Sport. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Audi Sport is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Audi Sport will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Audi Sport. (330 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Audi Sport. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Audi Sport has manual transmission. 1980 Audi Sport will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Audi Sport | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sport | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2133 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
