1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Vauxhall Carlton 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 213 more horse power than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 740 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. 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 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | SL | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
