2003 Buick Rainier vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Buick Rainier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Buick Rainier would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 2003 Buick Rainier. (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Buick Rainier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 730 kg more than 2003 Buick Rainier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Buick Rainier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Buick Rainier. (373 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Buick Rainier. 2003 Buick Rainier has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Rainier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rainier | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
