1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayman 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 3,385 cc, 2009 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman 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 335 kg more than 2009 Porsche Cayman.
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 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 3385 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 96.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
