1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet 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 308 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 830 kg more than 1970 Mercury Comet. 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 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Comet. (176 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Comet |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
