2002 Oldsmobile Aurora vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora (247 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 35 kg more than 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Aurora | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
