1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1957 Riley 2.6
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 2.6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 2.6 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1957 Riley 2.6. (101 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 2.6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 160 kg more than 1957 Riley 2.6. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 2.6. (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 2.6. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1957 Riley 2.6 has manual transmission. 1957 Riley 2.6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1957 Riley 2.6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Riley |
| Model | SL | 2.6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 54 L |
