2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 190 more horse power than 2004 Porsche 911. (320 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 552 kg more than 2004 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 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Porsche 911. (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Porsche 911. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2004 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 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 285 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 5 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 | 1950 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
