2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne is newer by 10 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, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (380 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 485 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.
Because 2012 Porsche Cayenne is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (578 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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. 2012 Porsche Cayenne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 578 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2896 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
