2008 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mini Cooper 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 196 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mini Cooper. (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mini Cooper. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mini | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cooper | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
