1965 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 1988 Porsche 944 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 34 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944.
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, 1988 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 944 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
