1983 Holden Statesman vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1983 Holden Statesman. (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 170 kg more than 1983 Holden Statesman. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Holden Statesman. (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Holden Statesman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Holden Statesman | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Statesman | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
