Mercedes-Benz SL vs Porsche 911
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 52% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| SL | 911 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 3 870 128 | R 2 760 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 67 644/m | R 48 240/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 75% |
| Retained after 3 years | 52% | 52% |
| Value after 3 years | R 2 015 667 | R 1 437 483 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 854 461 | R 1 322 517 |
| Value after 5 years | R 1 368 590 | R 976 016 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Luxury flagship & exotic |
Mercedes-Benz SL →
Mercedes' halo roadster has been on the SA price list continuously since the 1990s and is now sold as a Mercedes-AMG model near R4 million. Volumes are tiny and buyers are collectors and enthusiasts. Older R129 examples have a classic following while 2000s cars depreciated hard.
Known for: long-running flagship roadster
Porsche 911 →
The 911 has been sold continuously in South Africa across every generation and remains the benchmark sports car here. Coupe, cabriolet and Targa bodies are offered, with the current 992.2 range from about R2.76 million and GT models attracting long waiting lists. Well-kept 911s depreciate slowly and GT3 and Turbo variants often trade above their original list prices.
Known for: holding value better than almost any car
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz SL or the Porsche 911?
They are close to inseparable: 52% vs 52% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mercedes-Benz SL loses about R 1 854 461 over three years and the Porsche 911 loses about R 1 322 517. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Mercedes-Benz SL runs about R 67 644 per month and the Porsche 911 about R 48 240, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.