2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 8 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 @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. (225 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 376 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
