2009 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 2700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 522 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz S.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1848 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 18.1 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
