2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS vs. 2012 Volvo C30
To start off, 2012 Volvo C30 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 2012 Volvo C30. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volvo C30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 170 kg more than 2012 Volvo C30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo C30, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volvo C30. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volvo C30.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS | 2012 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SLS | C30 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 563 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1621 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4638 mm | 4252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1938 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1252 mm | 1448 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
