2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
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 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 462 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 385 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | SL | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
