2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 AC 428
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1973 AC 428. (298 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 AC 428. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 AC 428 weights approximately 190 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 AC 428 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | AC |
| Model | SL | 428 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 7002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2450 mm |
