1981 Avanti Avanti vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Avanti Avanti. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Avanti Avanti would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 1981 Avanti Avanti. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Avanti Avanti. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 485 kg more than 1981 Avanti Avanti. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Avanti Avanti. (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Avanti Avanti.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Avanti Avanti | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Avanti | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Avanti | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
