2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 5 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
