2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 210 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (425 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | E |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 425 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
