1983 Bentley Mulsanne vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1983 Bentley Mulsanne. (328 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 311 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Bentley Mulsanne. (610 Nm @ 2450 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bentley | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mulsanne | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2450 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2250 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 106 L | 80 L |
