1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2011 Tesla Roadster 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. In terms of performance, 2011 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Tesla Roadster 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 575 kg more than 2011 Tesla Roadster.
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 Tesla Roadster (400 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm). This means 2011 Tesla Roadster 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 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
| Model | SL | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | V | electric |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2352 mm |
