2000 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 478 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1123 kg more than 2000 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 530 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2000 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Smart | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | ForTwo | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 19.8 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 816 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
