2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 185 kg more than 2012 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW X3. (560 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | X3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2060 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
