2005 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (613 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 464 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 890 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 884 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (115 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Polo | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Polo | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1423 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1950 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2585 mm |
