1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1998 Porsche 993
To start off, 1998 Porsche 993 is newer by 2 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 993 (395 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 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 300 kg more than 1998 Porsche 993.
Because 1998 Porsche 993 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Porsche 993. (542 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Porsche 993. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Porsche 993 has manual transmission. 1998 Porsche 993 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1998 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 993 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 3598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2280 mm |
