2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
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 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 419 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 995 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 571 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Polo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
