2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1972 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (131 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 878 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 523 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 911. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 911. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1972 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1972 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
