2008 Mini Cooper vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mini Cooper would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 432 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 735 kg more than 2008 Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper, 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 761 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2008 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mini | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cooper | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
