1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Opel Commodore
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 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Commodore 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 154 more horse power than 1970 Opel Commodore. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 660 kg more than 1970 Opel Commodore. 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Commodore. (196 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1970 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
