2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 309 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 1800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 185 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 @ 2600 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.6 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
