2001 Lexus SC vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus SC would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 2001 Lexus SC. (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Lexus SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus SC weights approximately 235 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus SC. (290 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus SC. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2001 Lexus SC has manual transmission. 2001 Lexus SC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus SC | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SC | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2570 mm |
