2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (222 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 75 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.6 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
