1983 Dodge Charger vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1983 Dodge Charger is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1983 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 310 kg more than 1983 Dodge Charger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Charger, 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Charger | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charger | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
