1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1974 Porsche 911
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 Porsche 911. (227 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 790 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 Porsche 911 (280 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1974 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1974 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 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 | 1690 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
