1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 640 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 2003 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, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 2400 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 |
