2003 Lexus SC vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Lexus SC is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,294 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus SC (290 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus SC weights approximately 50 kg more than 1989 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, 2003 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2003 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus SC | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SC | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1740 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
