1986 Citroen Visa vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1986 Citroen Visa. (106 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1986 Citroen Visa. 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, 1986 Citroen Visa, 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 436 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen Visa. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen Visa. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1986 Citroen Visa has manual transmission. 1986 Citroen Visa 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:
| 1986 Citroen Visa | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Visa | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1579 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
