1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 489 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
