1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 50 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
