2011 Tesla Roadster vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Tesla Roadster is newer by 1 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. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP) has 317 more horse power than 2011 Tesla Roadster. (288 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Tesla Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1595 kg more than 2011 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm) has 600 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Tesla Roadster. (400 Nm). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Tesla Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Tesla Roadster | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Tesla | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | SL |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Type | electric | V |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 605 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Single Speed | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1852 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1128 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2352 mm | 2570 mm |
