1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 356 kg more than 1998 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 SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1944 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7291 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 766 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 120 L |
