2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Volkswagen Bora
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Bora. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Bora would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Bora. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Bora. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Bora weights approximately 110 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, 2005 Volkswagen Bora, 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 (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Bora. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Bora. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Bora has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Bora 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Bora | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Bora |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
