1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Pagani Zonda
To start off, 2010 Pagani Zonda is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 7,300 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Pagani Zonda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Pagani Zonda (594 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Pagani Zonda should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 539 kg more than 2010 Pagani Zonda.
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, 2010 Pagani Zonda (759 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2010 Pagani Zonda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Pagani Zonda | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pagani |
| Model | SL | Zonda |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 7300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 594 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 759 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2055 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1141 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
