2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1976 Porsche 912
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Porsche 912. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Porsche 912 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 408 more horse power than 1976 Porsche 912. (86 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Porsche 912. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 789 kg more than 1976 Porsche 912. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 566 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Porsche 912. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Porsche 912. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1976 Porsche 912 has manual transmission. 1976 Porsche 912 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1976 Porsche 912 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 912 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2280 mm |
