2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 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 (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 683 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
