2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 99 L |
