2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 531 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 634 kg more than 2002 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForFour, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 901 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2002 Smart ForFour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5982 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.2 seconds | 13.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
