2003 Acura TL vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Acura TL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. (217 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 177 kg more than 2003 Acura TL.
Because 2000 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL, 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL. 2003 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
