2007 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 352 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen T5. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | T5 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2650 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 701 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
