2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 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 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2011 BMW 550. (400 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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 (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 550. (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 550 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
