2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 438 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (80 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1735 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 411. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | 411 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
