1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Mazda CX-9
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-9 is newer by 16 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 102 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-9. (273 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-9. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 87 kg more than 2012 Mazda CX-9. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-9, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-9. (366 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-9.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Mazda CX-9 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | SL | CX-9 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1963 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
