2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Avanti Avanti
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Avanti Avanti. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Avanti Avanti would be higher. At 6,568 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1978 Avanti Avanti. (177 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Avanti Avanti. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 445 kg more than 1978 Avanti Avanti. 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 (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Avanti Avanti. (442 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Avanti Avanti.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Avanti Avanti | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Avanti |
| Model | SL | Avanti |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 6568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 442 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2780 mm |
