1981 Citroen Visa vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 483 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 518 kg more than 1981 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Citroen Visa, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 580 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Visa. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Visa. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1981 Citroen Visa has manual transmission. 1981 Citroen Visa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Citroen Visa 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make Citroen Mercedes-Benz
Model Visa SL
Year Released 1981 2009
Body Type Hatchback Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 652 cc 6208 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type boxer V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 35 HP 518 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6800 RPM
Torque 50 Nm 630 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 5200 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 722 kg 1240 kg
Vehicle Length 3700 mm 4540 mm
Vehicle Width 1540 mm 1480 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1600 mm
Wheelbase Size 2860 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 10.9 L/100km 16.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 80 L