2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Porsche 996
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2002 Porsche 996. (317 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Porsche 996. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Porsche 996 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2002 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 459 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Porsche 996. (371 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Porsche 996. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2002 Porsche 996 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 | 2002 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 996 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2360 mm |
