1990 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1971 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 780 kg more than 1971 Opel Ascona. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1971 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
