1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1981 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 800 kg more than 1981 Dodge Mirada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Dodge Mirada. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mirada | GL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3076 mm |
