2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 340 kg more than 2001 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
