2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touran
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touran is newer by 5 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 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 194 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Touran. (108 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Touran. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 339 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Touran. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touran, 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Touran. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Touran. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Touran has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Touran 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Touran | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Touran |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 13.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 13.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
