2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 220 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 SLR McLaren. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf, 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 SLR McLaren (781 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 781 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 20.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 62 L |
