1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1996 TVR Griffith
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 TVR Griffith. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 TVR Griffith would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Griffith is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Griffith (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Griffith 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 770 kg more than 1996 TVR Griffith.
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, 1996 TVR Griffith (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Griffith 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 1996 TVR Griffith has manual transmission. 1996 TVR Griffith 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 | 1996 TVR Griffith | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | SL | Griffith |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
