2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 406 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will offer significantly more control. 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 SL (700 Nm) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (320 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1921 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 16.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
