2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 362 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 245 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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 505 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2950 mm |
