2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500
To start off, both 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG and 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG weights approximately 50 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500. 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 55 AMG (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
