2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2005 Toyota Soarer 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 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 217 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Soarer. (276 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 220 kg more than 2005 Toyota Soarer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Soarer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Soarer. (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Soarer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
