2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1998 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 365 kg more than 1998 TVR Speed 12.
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 (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 TVR Speed 12. (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 TVR Speed 12. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 TVR Speed 12 has manual transmission. 1998 TVR Speed 12 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 | 1998 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | SL | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 661 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 332 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
