1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 is newer by 7 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 440 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Porsche 911 (560 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 911 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 | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 293 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.2 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1380 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 13.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
