1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1997 Toyota Supra
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Supra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Supra would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Supra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Supra (325 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Supra 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 140 kg more than 1997 Toyota Supra.
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, 1997 Toyota Supra (441 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Supra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1997 Toyota Supra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Supra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
