2006 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2006 BMW 525. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 525.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
