2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero
To start off, 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero is newer by 6 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 6,350 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero (1,183 HP @ 6950 RPM) has 689 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 625 kg more than 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero.
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, 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero (1,483 Nm @ 6150 RPM) has 783 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero has manual transmission. 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | SSC |
| Model | SL | Ultimate Aero |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 6350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 1183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6950 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 1483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1090 mm |
