1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
