2012 BMW 320 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320.
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 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 320. (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 320. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 320 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:
| 2012 BMW 320 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4624 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1429 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 80 L |
