1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Porsche 930
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 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Porsche 930 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 1979 Porsche 930.
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, 1979 Porsche 930 (431 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Porsche 930 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1979 Porsche 930 has manual transmission. 1979 Porsche 930 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 930 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 930 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
