1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma 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 227 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. (75 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 860 kg more than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. 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 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma has manual transmission. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma 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 | 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mitsubishi |
| Model | SL | Sigma |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
