2003 McLaren F1 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 McLaren F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 McLaren F1 would be higher. At 6,062 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (247 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 585 kg more than 2003 McLaren F1.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 McLaren F1 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6062 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
