1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 1609 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 287 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 710 kg more than 1978 Chrysler 1609. 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 447 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chrysler |
| Model | SL | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
