2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Jetta 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 392 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 559 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1921 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
