2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Lexus LFA
To start off, 2012 Lexus LFA 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LFA (552 HP @ 8700 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LFA should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 475 kg more than 2012 Lexus LFA.
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 (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus LFA. (479 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus LFA.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Lexus LFA | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | SL | LFA |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 552 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 8700 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1219 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2606 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
