2003 Fiat Punto 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 Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 440 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 990 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. 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 Punto, 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 (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Punto 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 Punto | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Punto | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.7 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.4 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.9 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 5.6 L/100km | 17 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 14.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
