2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 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 101 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 1800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 110 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3220 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 1800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 479 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
