2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2008 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2008 Pontiac Solstice. (173 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Pontiac Solstice.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Pontiac Solstice. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Pontiac Solstice. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2008 Pontiac Solstice will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 49 L |
