2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Porsche 930
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 930. (296 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 930. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Porsche 930 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 930. (440 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 930. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 930 has manual transmission. 1978 Porsche 930 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Porsche 930 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 930 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
