2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am
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 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 357 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. (153 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 230 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 SL (830 Nm) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. (455 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SL | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
