1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Porsche 911
To start off, 2011 Porsche 911 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche 911 (450 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche 911 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1968 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, 2011 Porsche 911 (429 Nm @ 6750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 429 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6750 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 | 1360 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2355 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
