2010 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (529 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 529 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4582 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1298 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3165 mm |
