2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 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 5,439 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 323 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 519 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 (800 Nm) has 560 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2009 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
