1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
