1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1972 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 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 188 more horse power than 1972 Opel Commodore. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 720 kg more than 1972 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 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Commodore. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Commodore. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 Opel Commodore has manual transmission. 1972 Opel Commodore 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 | 1972 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| 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 | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
