1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3030 mm |
