1996 Porsche 911 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Porsche 911. (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (650 Nm) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (360 Nm). This means 1996 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Porsche 911 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 911 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 360 Nm |
| 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 | 4680 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2560 mm |
