2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 500 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche 911. (389 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche 911. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
