1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 109 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
