2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Routan 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 313 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Routan. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Routan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 703 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Routan. 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 Routan, 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 517 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Routan. (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Routan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 78 L |
