2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (80 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 785 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 411. 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 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 411. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 411 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | 411 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
