2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 429 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 650 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
