2008 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 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 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 355 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 605 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
