2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster is newer by 3 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster.
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 (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 35 L |
