2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 404 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 44 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
