1988 Porsche 944 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 404 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 (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1988 Porsche 944 has manual transmission. 1988 Porsche 944 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Porsche 944 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 944 | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2520 mm |
