2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 578 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 145 kg more than 1974 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 (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 794 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 661 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
