2008 BMW 330 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 330 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 2008 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 330.
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, 2008 BMW 330 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
