1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1075 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2005 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 19.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 22 L |
