2012 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 170 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4582 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1298 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
