2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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 156 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (362 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 720 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 5789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
