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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 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 385 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Porsche 911. (408 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Porsche 911. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2005 Porsche 911 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 | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3822 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 293 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
