2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
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 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 5,512 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 427 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 730 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. 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 (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 625 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
