1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Porsche 924
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 924 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 924. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 924. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 1978 Porsche 924. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 924. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 924.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 924 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
