1999 McLaren F1 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 McLaren F1 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,061 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 520 kg more than 1999 McLaren F1.
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, 1999 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1999 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 McLaren F1 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6061 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
