1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore 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 264 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 790 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. 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 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Holden |
| Model | SL | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
