1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1972 Toyota Century
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Century would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Century. (127 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 69 kg more than 1972 Toyota Century. 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 SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Century. (236 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1972 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Century |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
