2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 3 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 300 more horse power than 2012 BMW 740. (304 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 740.
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 401 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 740. (600 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 740 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5072 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 82 L |
