2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 5 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 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 130 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (172 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 77 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1848 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
