2003 Acura TL vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,222 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 347 kg more than 2003 Acura TL.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
