2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 406 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 703 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf, 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 580 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| 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 | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
