1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. (88 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 674 kg more than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 190 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
