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 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 164 more horse power than 1996 TVR Griffith. (225 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 TVR Griffith. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 990 kg more than 1996 TVR Griffith. 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 TVR Griffith. (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 TVR Griffith. 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 | 5987 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 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 | 2050 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
