2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
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 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 460 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1438 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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 505 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 220 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
