1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Porsche 928
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Porsche 928. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Porsche 928 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 7 more horse power than 1979 Porsche 928. (295 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Porsche 928. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 440 kg more than 1979 Porsche 928. 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Porsche 928. (380 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Porsche 928. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1979 Porsche 928 has manual transmission. 1979 Porsche 928 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 | 1979 Porsche 928 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 928 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| 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 | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 86 L |
