1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1965 Porsche 912
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Porsche 912. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Porsche 912 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1965 Porsche 912. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Porsche 912. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 790 kg more than 1965 Porsche 912. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Porsche 912. (133 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Porsche 912.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1965 Porsche 912 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 912 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
