1983 Bentley Mulsanne vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Bentley Mulsanne. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Bentley Mulsanne would be higher. At 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Bentley Mulsanne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1983 Bentley Mulsanne. (320 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Bentley Mulsanne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Bentley Mulsanne weights approximately 455 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Bentley Mulsanne. (617 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Bentley Mulsanne.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Bentley Mulsanne | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bentley | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mulsanne | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2410 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 108 L | 80 L |
