2009 BMW 550 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 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,798 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (311 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4798 cc | 3498 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
