2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (228 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
