2003 Acura TL vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Acura TL. (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura TL.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
