2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1962 NSU Prinz
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 NSU Prinz. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 NSU Prinz would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1962 NSU Prinz. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1962 NSU Prinz. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1340 kg more than 1962 NSU Prinz. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 NSU Prinz. (42 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 NSU Prinz. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1962 NSU Prinz has manual transmission. 1962 NSU Prinz will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1962 NSU Prinz | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | NSU |
| Model | SL | Prinz |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 37 L |
