1984 Austin Montego vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Austin Montego would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1984 Austin Montego. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 800 kg more than 1984 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Austin Montego, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Austin Montego. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Austin Montego. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1984 Austin Montego has manual transmission. 1984 Austin Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Montego | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Montego | SL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
