2003 Fiat Panda vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1185 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 742 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 80 L |
