1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2012 Porsche Panamera is newer by 14 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2012 Porsche Panamera. (250 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Porsche Panamera.
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, 2012 Porsche Panamera (550 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 | 2012 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Panamera |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1931 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
