2007 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Audi A5
To start off, 2012 Audi A5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 2012 Audi A5. (211 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Audi A5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 125 kg more than 2012 Audi A5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A5 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi A5. (349 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi A5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Audi A5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | SL | A5 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2650 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 701 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
