1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 TVR Tuscan
To start off, 2003 TVR Tuscan is newer by 6 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 3,603 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 TVR Tuscan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 TVR Tuscan (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Tuscan should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 560 kg more than 2003 TVR Tuscan.
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, 2003 TVR Tuscan (401 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 TVR Tuscan 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 | 2003 TVR Tuscan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | SL | Tuscan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
