2009 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 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 436 more horse power than 2009 Fiat 500. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 900 kg more than 2009 Fiat 500. 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 Fiat 500, 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 575 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat 500. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat 500. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Fiat 500 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:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.2 L/100km | 14.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 80 L |
