1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2010 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4964 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
