1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 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 89 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
