2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 5 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (141 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 105 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viano | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
