2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
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 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 440 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 609 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
