2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Audi S5
To start off, 2012 Audi S5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Audi S5. (354 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi S5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 160 kg more than 2012 Audi S5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi S5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi S5 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi S5. (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi S5. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Audi S5 has manual transmission. 2012 Audi S5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Audi S5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | SL | S5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 383 HP | 354 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
