2002 Bentley Continental T vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Bentley Continental T is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,749 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Bentley Continental T is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Bentley Continental T (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Bentley Continental T should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Bentley Continental T weights approximately 690 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Bentley Continental T (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 605 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Bentley Continental T will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2002 Bentley Continental T has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Bentley Continental T will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Bentley Continental T | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bentley | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Continental T | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6749 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
