2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (209 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 580 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander. 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander, 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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 383 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
