2009 Volkswagen T5 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen T5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen T5 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 462 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2009 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen T5. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen T5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen T5 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | T5 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2459 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.3 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2585 mm |
