2001 Mazda 6 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mazda 6 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 kg more than 2001 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 6, 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, 2001 Mazda 6 (311 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 6 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 6 | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
