2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura CL 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 258 more horse power than 2002 Acura CL. (260 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 340 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Acura |
| Model | SL | CL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
