2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 575 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
