2012 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 58 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Beetle | SL |
Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4278 mm | 4582 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1486 mm | 1298 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2537 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |