1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1962 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1962 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1962 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1190 kg more than 1962 Opel Kadett. 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 (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 391 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Opel Kadett. (70 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1962 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2330 mm |
