2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2011 Dodge Ram is newer by 9 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Ram (310 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Ram weights approximately 552 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2011 Dodge Ram (447 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2011 Dodge Ram has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dodge |
| Model | SL | Ram |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3569 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 98 L |
