1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Lexus LS
To start off, 2010 Lexus LS is newer by 12 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lexus LS (380 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus LS weights approximately 35 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, 2010 Lexus LS (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus LS 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 | 2010 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | SL | LS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 84 L |
