2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Corolla 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 413 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Corolla. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 780 kg more than 2003 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2003 Toyota Corolla, 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 688 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Corolla. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
