2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (291 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 265 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (385 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3165 mm |
