2002 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Solstice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Solstice would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. (240 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 748 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm) has 694 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. (305 Nm). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2002 Pontiac Solstice will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Solstice | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Solstice | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 2066 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
