2006 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (232 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 384 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
