2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Vauxhall Firenza 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 414 more horse power than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. (104 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1840 kg more than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. 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 472 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Vauxhall Firenza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1971 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | SL | Firenza |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 36 L |
