1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Porsche 911
To start off, 2010 Porsche 911 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Porsche 911 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Porsche 911 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 150 kg more than 2010 Porsche 911.
Because 2010 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4465 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
