2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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 352 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 490 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
