2007 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 612 kg more than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 608 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2007 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2007 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Sonata | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sonata | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
