2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (248 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 255 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3997 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 4.7 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 | 2040 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
