1955 Porsche 356 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1955 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Porsche 356.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Porsche 356. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1955 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1955 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Porsche 356 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 356 | SL |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
