1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Pagani Zonda
To start off, 2010 Pagani Zonda 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 7,300 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Pagani Zonda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Pagani Zonda (547 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Pagani Zonda 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 580 kg more than 2010 Pagani Zonda.
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 Pagani Zonda (759 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 489 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Pagani Zonda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 Pagani Zonda has manual transmission. 2010 Pagani Zonda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Pagani Zonda | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pagani |
| Model | SL | Zonda |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 7300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 547 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 759 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2055 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1141 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
