2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche 911. (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche 911. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4465 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
