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 7,460 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac GTO. (360 HP @ 4300 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 195 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (678 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 | 5461 cc | 7460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 678 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
