2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (416 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 330 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | SL | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
