1968 Porsche 911 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 408 more horse power than 1968 Porsche 911. (110 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 919 kg more than 1968 Porsche 911. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 472 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Porsche 911. (158 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Porsche 911. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1968 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1968 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Porsche 911 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 911 | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
