2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP) has 330 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 943 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm) has 585 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (415 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4261 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 605 HP |
| Torque | 415 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1887 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
