2004 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 180 kg more than 2004 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (315 Nm). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2585 mm |
