2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 275 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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 441 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 450 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 95 L |
