2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2012 BMW X5. (400 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW X5. (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW X5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | X5 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 998 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 2440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 23.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
