1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 215 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 154 kg more than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | SL | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
