2004 McLaren F1 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 McLaren F1 is newer by 6 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 McLaren F1 (619 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 415 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 640 kg more than 2004 McLaren F1.
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, 2004 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 McLaren F1 has manual transmission. 2004 McLaren F1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 McLaren F1 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6063 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 619 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.1 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
