1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Audi TT
To start off, 2011 Audi TT is newer by 15 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2011 Audi TT. (265 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Audi TT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 300 kg more than 2011 Audi TT. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Audi TT is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi TT 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 (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Audi TT. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Audi TT. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Audi TT has manual transmission. 2011 Audi TT 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 | 2011 Audi TT | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | SL | TT |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1349 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2469 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
