2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1976 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,556 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine.
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, 1976 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm). This means 1976 Pontiac Trans Am 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 1976 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1976 Pontiac Trans Am 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 | 1976 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 6556 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 104.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2750 mm |
