1998 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 50 kg more than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
