2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1987 Porsche 911
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1987 Porsche 911. (231 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 583 kg more than 1987 Porsche 911. 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 (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Porsche 911. (283 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1987 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1172 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
