2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2010 Tesla Roadster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 373 more horse power than 2010 Tesla Roadster. (288 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Tesla Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 130 kg more than 2010 Tesla Roadster. 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 (1,000 Nm) has 600 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Tesla Roadster. (400 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Tesla Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tesla |
| Model | SL | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | V | electric |
| Horse Power | 661 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3947 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2352 mm |
