2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2004 Pontiac GTO is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 220 kg more than 2004 Pontiac GTO.
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, 2004 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | GTO |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
