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 3,595 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (316 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 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 315 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 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 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 | 2799 cc | 3595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 285 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
