2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 376 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLR McLaren | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 62 L |
