2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Lexus LS
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (438 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus LS weights approximately 515 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS 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, 2012 Lexus LS (521 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | SL | LS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 438 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 2360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3091 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 84 L |
