2009 Lexus GS vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Lexus GS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus GS (303 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 150 kg more than 2009 Lexus GS.
Because 2009 Lexus GS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Lexus GS 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus GS. (372 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus GS | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 80 L |
