2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
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 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1525 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
