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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 468 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 638 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 | 5980 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 998 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
