1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Porsche 930
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1980 Porsche 930. (296 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Porsche 930. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 750 kg more than 1980 Porsche 930. 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Porsche 930. (440 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Porsche 930. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Porsche 930 has manual transmission. 1980 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 | 1980 Porsche 930 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
Model | SL | 930 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 5987 cc | 3299 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 389 HP | 296 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 570 Nm | 440 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 97.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 74.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |