2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom
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 Rolls-Royce Phantom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom would be higher. At 6,749 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom. (454 HP @ 5350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom weights approximately 564 kg more than 2005 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, 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom (721 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (700 Nm). This means 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | SL | Phantom |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 6749 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 721 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1921 kg | 2485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 6090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 24.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 15.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
