1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Porsche 911
To start off, 2010 Porsche 911 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Porsche 911 (435 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Porsche 911 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 655 kg more than 2010 Porsche 911.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Porsche 911. (429 Nm @ 6250 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Porsche 911. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2010 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 435 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 429 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4465 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2355 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
