2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Toyota Century
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 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Century 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 351 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Century. (167 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Century weights approximately 565 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Century. (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Century |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2870 mm |
