1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Porsche 911
To start off, 2011 Porsche 911 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 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 30 more horse power than 2011 Porsche 911. (345 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 661 kg more than 2011 Porsche 911. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Porsche 911. (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Porsche 911. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2011 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1389 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
