2001 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 TVR Tasmin
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 TVR Tasmin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 TVR Tasmin 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 309 more horse power than 1980 TVR Tasmin. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 TVR Tasmin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 938 kg more than 1980 TVR Tasmin. 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 480 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 TVR Tasmin. (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 TVR Tasmin. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 TVR Tasmin has manual transmission. 1980 TVR Tasmin 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 | 1980 TVR Tasmin | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | SL | Tasmin |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5437 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1017 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
