1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 530 kg more than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
