2010 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP) has 351 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (254 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (620 Nm). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | S |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 254 HP |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
