2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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 25 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (493 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 940 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 88 L |
