2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 785 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
