1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
