2010 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2012 BMW 1 Series. (335 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 1 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 330 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 1 Series. (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 1 Series. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 1 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
