2001 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1954 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1954 Oldsmobile 98. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1954 Oldsmobile 98. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 215 kg more than 1954 Oldsmobile 98. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Oldsmobile 98. (407 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Oldsmobile 98. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1954 Oldsmobile 98 has manual transmission. 1954 Oldsmobile 98 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1954 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | 98 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5437 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3210 mm |
