Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2007 Porsche 911 VS 2007 Mercedes SL-Class Near Scottsdale, AZ

The 911 offers all wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The SL Class doesn’t offer all wheel drive.

Both the 911 and the SL Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The 911’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the SL Class’ (10/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

As tested in Road & Track the 911 Turbo is faster than the SL65 AMG (automatics tested):

As tested in Motor Trend the 911 Turbo is faster than the SL55 AMG (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 911 lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The SL Class doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the 911/911 S Auto gets better fuel mileage than the SL550 (20 city/26 hwy vs. 14 city/22 hwy).

The 911’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the SL550 are solid, not vented.

The 911 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The SL Class doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 911 stops much shorter than the SL Class:

The 911 Cabriolet handles at .92 G’s, while the SL550 pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Porsche 911 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1150 pounds less than the Mercedes SL Class.

The 911 has standard seating for 4 passengers; the SL Class can only carry 2.

The 911 has 6.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the SL Class (64 vs. 57.8).

The 911’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The SL Class does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The 911’s standard power mirror controls are mounted on the door for easy access. The SL Class’ standard power mirror controls are on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

Insurance will cost less for the 911 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 911 will cost $544 to $2297 less than the SL Class over a five year period.

The headlight lenses on the 911 are made of plastic to be lighter, more resistant to damage and less expensive to replace than the glass headlight lenses on the SL Class.