1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2009 Toyota Camry 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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Camry. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 430 kg more than 2009 Toyota Camry. 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, 2009 Toyota Camry, 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 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Camry. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Camry |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
