1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2003 Opel Speedster is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 Opel Speedster. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Speedster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 685 kg more than 2003 Opel Speedster. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Speedster. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Speedster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 36 L |
