2006 BMW 530 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 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 530 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530.
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 (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 530. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
