2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, both 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL and 2004 Mercedes-Benz S were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 77 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (500 Nm) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1848 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
