2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Solstice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Solstice would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. (240 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 637 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. (305 Nm). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Solstice. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2002 Pontiac Solstice 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:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
