2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1990 Porsche Pan Americana
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Porsche Pan Americana 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 271 more horse power than 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. (247 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1354 kg more than 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. (310 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Porsche Pan Americana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1990 Porsche Pan Americana | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Pan Americana |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2280 mm |
