2001 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 60 kg more than 2002 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5437 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
