2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. (200 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 kg more than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Oldsmobile 88. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | 88 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3110 mm |
