1987 Mazda 929 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 929. (163 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 475 kg more than 1987 Mazda 929. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 929. (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 929. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Mazda 929 has manual transmission. 1987 Mazda 929 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda 929 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 929 | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
