1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 586 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 527 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 881 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 356 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
