1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (415 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 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 513 kg more than 2004 Porsche 911.
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) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Porsche 911. (563 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 3588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
