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Dacia Duster vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Mercedes SL Class?

Dacia Duster vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

Dacia Duster

4.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • markedly lighter
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Mercedes SL Class

  • significantly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Duster

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Dacia Duster is considerably cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 96,427 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Duster uses 4.7 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 4.3 L/100km.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class offers significantly more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 658 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 6.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers clearly more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 1,190 Nm more.

Duster

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Dacia Duster offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Dacia Duster is markedly lighter – 1,377 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 433 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Dacia Duster carries moderately more – 453 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 78 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Duster is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £16,300
Duster

Dacia Duster

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 158 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
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The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
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Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Dacia Jogger comes down to whether you want a compact SUV with stronger on-road and light off-road ability or a stretched estate focused on space and family practicality. The Duster favours higher ground clearance and a tougher presence, while the Jogger …
Dacia Duster
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a straightforward, budget-friendly SUV that prioritizes practicality and value over flashy features. Its rugged styling and simple, roomy interior make it a sensible choice for buyers who want capable everyday transport without paying for extras they won’t use.

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Reviews Dacia Duster

4.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dave
11 May 2026, 00:08:47

As a previous owner of a manual 1998 Suzuki Vitara (two door), I was thrilled when the Duster was announced. The Bigster seems like a safer (and less adventurous) alternative to the Duster.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Buh
14 Dec 2025, 22:40:05

I find the difference between the two very minimal.
And for almost €20k more 💶 I would absolutely not choose the Tiguan.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Value for Money

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

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Reviews Mercedes SL Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

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Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
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Suzuki Vitara
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Dacia Duster
Hyundai Tucson
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Dacia Duster
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Dacia Duster
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
381 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
480 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.