2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
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 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1100 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2002 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 1820 mm |
