2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 ZIL 4104
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 ZIL 4104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 4104 would be higher. At 7,695 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1978 ZIL 4104. (311 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 ZIL 4104. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 1291 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 (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 ZIL 4104. (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 ZIL 4104.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | ZIL |
| Model | SL | 4104 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 7695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 3336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3340 mm |
