2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom
To start off, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom 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 6,700 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom. (453 HP @ 5350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom weights approximately 755 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 Rolls-Royce Phantom (719 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | SL | Phantom |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 6700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 453 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 2630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5839 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1638 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3571 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 100 L |
