1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,444 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 425 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 7444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 91 L |
