2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 5,439 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 310 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 352 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 Tiguan, 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 (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 439 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
