1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 230 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
