1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1968 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 1968 Peugeot 204. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1968 Peugeot 204. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Peugeot 204, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 496 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Peugeot 204. (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Peugeot 204. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1968 Peugeot 204 has manual transmission. 1968 Peugeot 204 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 | 1968 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | SL | 204 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 1130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 42 L |
