1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
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 Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 160 kg more than 1970 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1970 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1970 Mercury Cougar 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 | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
