1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1954 Porsche 356
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1954 Porsche 356. (110 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1954 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1954 Porsche 356. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Porsche 356. (133 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Porsche 356. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1954 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1954 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1954 Porsche 356 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
Model | SL | 356 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1954 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | boxer |
Horse Power | 204 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.5:1 |
Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 780 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2110 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 79 L |