2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 760 kg more than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. 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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton 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 | 1985 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | SL | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
