2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (613 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 520 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (1,001 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 651 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3165 mm |
