1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Porsche 911
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1973 Porsche 911. (226 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 990 kg more than 1973 Porsche 911. 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 (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Porsche 911. (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Porsche 911. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1973 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1973 Porsche 911 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 | 1973 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
