1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1961 Steyr 500
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Steyr 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Steyr 500 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1961 Steyr 500. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Steyr 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1570 kg more than 1961 Steyr 500. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 538 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Steyr 500. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Steyr 500. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1961 Steyr 500 has manual transmission. 1961 Steyr 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1961 Steyr 500 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Steyr |
Model | SL | 500 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
Engine Size | 5987 cc | 488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 389 HP | 19 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 570 Nm | 32 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 480 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 2970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1330 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1850 mm |