2003 Lancia Thesis vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lancia Thesis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lancia Thesis would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 457 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 220 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 695 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lancia Thesis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thesis | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 605 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 93 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.3 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 22.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
