2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Proton 400
To start off, both 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL and 2003 Proton 400 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 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 419 more horse power than 2003 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 965 kg more than 2003 Proton 400. 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, 2003 Proton 400, 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 592 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton 400. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Proton 400 has manual transmission. 2003 Proton 400 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 | 2003 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Proton |
| Model | SL | 400 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
