2006 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 8 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 3,228 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 25 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3228 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
