2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1996 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Porsche 911. (430 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Porsche 911. (540 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Porsche 911. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1996 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1996 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 296 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2280 mm |
