2009 Audi Q7 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Audi Q7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi Q7 (322 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi Q7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi Q7 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi Q7 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi Q7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi Q7 (760 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Audi Q7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi Q7 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Q7 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4132 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 760 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2420 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
