2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 911. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 865 kg more than 1978 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 (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 565 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 911. (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 911. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1978 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 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
