2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 231 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SLS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 330 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2680 mm |
