2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 95 kg more than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3080 mm |
