1966 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (376 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 996 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2005 Porsche 996 (386 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 996 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 89 L |
