2008 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lexus IS 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 95 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (216 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS.
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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| 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 | 4410 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
