2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Stanza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Stanza 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 437 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (81 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1950 kg more than 1981 Nissan Stanza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 501 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (130 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Stanza. 1981 Nissan Stanza 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. 1981 Nissan Stanza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Stanza |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
