2005 Renault Clio vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Renault Clio would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 445 more horse power than 2005 Renault Clio. (73 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 774 kg more than 2005 Renault Clio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Renault Clio, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Renault Clio. (105 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Renault Clio. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 2005 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Renault Clio | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Clio | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1460 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 162 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.2 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.3 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 5.3 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
