2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 4 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 207 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (303 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 472 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | SL | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
