2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 65 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2650 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.4 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
