2010 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 203 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (402 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 940 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (600 Nm). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLS |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 402 HP |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
