1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2005 Toyota Prius 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 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 441 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 750 kg more than 2005 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Prius, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 648 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Prius. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Prius |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7291 cc | 1494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 766 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 84.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
