1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP) has 281 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (108 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 10 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | Viano |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 16.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
