2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 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 269 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 680 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 360 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 383 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
