1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1977 Porsche 930
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Porsche 930 (257 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 550 kg more than 1977 Porsche 930.
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, 1977 Porsche 930 (343 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1977 Porsche 930 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 | 1977 Porsche 930 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 930 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1977 |
| 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 | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
