1988 Renault 19 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Renault 19. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 19 would be higher. At 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 484 more horse power than 1988 Renault 19. (91 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 19. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 627 kg more than 1988 Renault 19. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19, 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 514 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 19. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 19.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 19 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 19 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1623 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2078 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1262 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
