2002 Maserati Spyder vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Maserati Spyder is newer by 4 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 4,253 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Maserati Spyder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Maserati Spyder (390 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Maserati Spyder should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 130 kg more than 2002 Maserati Spyder.
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 Maserati Spyder (451 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Maserati Spyder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Maserati Spyder | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spyder | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4253 cc | 2798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.8 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
