1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,686 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 405 kg more than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. 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 (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | SL | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
