2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (306 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 160 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 626 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | SL | IS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5982 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
