2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1969 Opel Olympia
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia 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 244 more horse power than 1969 Opel Olympia. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1125 kg more than 1969 Opel Olympia. 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 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1969 Opel Olympia has manual transmission. 1969 Opel Olympia 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 | 1969 Opel Olympia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Olympia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
