1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg (216 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 454 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg (310 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 2214 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
