2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (320 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 29 kg more than 2012 BMW 335.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (470 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 335. (450 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 335.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 335 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1844 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1372 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
