2009 BMW 120 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 120 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
