2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Silvia 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 (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 507 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 960 kg more than 1978 Nissan Silvia. 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 (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 853 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Silvia. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Nissan Silvia | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
Model | SL | Silvia |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5980 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 604 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 1001 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4140 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1610 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2350 mm |