1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. (105 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 370 kg more than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1958 Mercedes-Benz SC | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | SC |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
