1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1972 Opel Kadett
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 Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 470 more horse power than 1972 Opel Kadett. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1290 kg more than 1972 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 (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 695 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Kadett. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1972 Opel Kadett 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 Kadett | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7291 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 766 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
