2012 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
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 E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 235 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | E |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1670 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
