2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
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 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForFour 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 424 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1860 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Smart ForFour, 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 (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 506 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | SL | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 52 L |
