1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2560 mm |
