1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
