2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 2 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. At 5,512 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 227 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. (283 HP @ 6350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 134 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan, 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 478 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Routan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 78 L |
