2004 Maserati Spyder vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Maserati Spyder is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Maserati Spyder (385 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Maserati Spyder should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Maserati Spyder. (447 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Maserati Spyder.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Maserati Spyder | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spyder | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4254 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 2050 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 Consumption Highway | 13.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 18.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 80 L |
