2004 Renault Clio vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Clio would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 353 more horse power than 2004 Renault Clio. (251 HP @ 7150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 650 kg more than 2004 Renault Clio. 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 SL (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 699 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Clio. (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Clio. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 2004 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Clio | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Clio | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7150 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4650 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 2066 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
