2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 289 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 149 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SL | S |
Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3199 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 510 HP | 221 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 720 Nm | 315 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1806 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |