2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am 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 420 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 825 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 541 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
