2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 412 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (98 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 775 kg more than 1970 Mercury Comet. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 582 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Comet. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Comet |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
