2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. (469 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 715 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
