2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Spider 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 369 more horse power than 1996 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 965 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider. 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 535 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Spider. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Spider 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 | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | SL | Spider |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2350 mm |
