1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2012 Toyota Sienna 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 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 202 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Sienna. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Sienna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 95 kg more than 2012 Toyota Sienna. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 318 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Sienna. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Sienna.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Sienna |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1984 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1765 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
