2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 35 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SL | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 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 |
