2012 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 755 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | SL | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4582 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1298 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
