1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (201 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 360 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (245 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
