1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 346 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 430 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 602 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | S | SL |
Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2599 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 164 HP | 510 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 228 Nm | 830 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |