1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1022 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
