1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Gamma 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 186 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 564 kg more than 1978 Lancia Gamma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Gamma, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Gamma. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Gamma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lancia |
| Model | SL | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
