1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2011 Porsche Cayman 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2011 Porsche Cayman. (265 HP @ 7200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Porsche Cayman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 720 kg more than 2011 Porsche Cayman. 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Porsche Cayman. (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Porsche Cayman. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Porsche Cayman has manual transmission. 2011 Porsche Cayman 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 | 2011 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 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 | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
