2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
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 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac GTO. (365 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac GTO. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 240 kg more than 1970 Pontiac GTO. 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 (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Pontiac GTO. (603 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Pontiac GTO. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1970 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 1970 Pontiac GTO will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | GTO |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 6548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
