1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 11 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 93 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Touareg. (222 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 543 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (501 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2008 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. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 2312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
