2005 Acura RL vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Acura RL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura RL (296 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura RL weights approximately 117 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Acura RL (353 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2005 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura RL | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RL | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1807 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
