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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Porsche 911 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 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 255 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, 2010 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
