2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (518 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 528 kg more than 2010 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLR McLaren | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
