1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 990 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 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 | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 33 L |
