2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S weights approximately 85 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 718 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S has manual transmission. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 170S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1949 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 47 L |
