1963 Porsche 356 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1963 Porsche 356. (94 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1963 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 825 kg more than 1963 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Porsche 356. (126 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Porsche 356. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1963 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1963 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Porsche 356 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 356 | SL |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
