1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 690 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am 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 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
Model | SL | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 349 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 530 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |