1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 395 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 184 kg more than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2560 mm |
