2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs. 2013 Porsche 911
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and 2013 Porsche 911 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and the 2013 Porsche 911.
When we compare the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's and the 2013 Porsche 911's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2013 Porsche 911 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's and the 2013 Porsche 911's specifications and ratings, the 2013 Porsche 911 is a better car than the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Pricing: A used 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class ranges from $13,812 to $37,917 while a used 2013 Porsche 911 is priced between $51,819 to $92,464.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class loses 47.4 percent of its value and the 2013 Porsche 911 loses 26.3 percent of its value. This means the 2013 Porsche 911 retains 21.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is 7.9 out of 10 while the Porsche 911's quality rating is 9.1 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class being ranked 5 out of 23 Best Luxury Convertibles and the Porsche 911 being ranked 1 out of 23. Out of 38 Best Luxury Sports Cars, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is ranked 10 and the Porsche 911 is ranked 3.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is 7.8 out of 10. For the Porsche 911 the reliability rating is 8.7 out of 10. This gives the Porsche 911 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class’s base engine makes 382 horsepower, and the 2013 Porsche 911 base engine makes 350 horsepower.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
103650
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
77515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
38300 - 137300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
93700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
72370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
38650 - 138300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
27100
Price Range:
13812 - 37917
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
42902
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
13568 - 104041
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
71530
# Good or Great Deals:
1
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
72530
Price Range:
51819 - 92464
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
36561
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
15747 - 83309
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
61
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44588
# Good or Great Deals:
5
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Porsche 911 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.7 / 10
Retained Value:
9.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2013 Porsche 911
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.5438239507654645
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
1.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.9 - 14.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1620002516194696
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
1.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.6 - 10.0
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 23Ranking
6 out of / 23Ranking
6 out of / 23Ranking
7 out of / 38Ranking
9 out of / 38Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 38Ranking
12 out of / 38Ranking
12 out of / 23Ranking
14 out of / 23Ranking
15 out of / 23Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
19 out of / 38Ranking
22 out of / 38Ranking
31 out of / 38Porsche 911 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 23Ranking
1 out of / 23Ranking
1 out of / 23Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 38Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 38Ranking
4 out of / 38Ranking
10 out of / 38Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
14 out of / 23Ranking
17 out of / 21Ranking
24 out of / 38Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Trim Levels
SL 550, SL 63 AMG
2013 Porsche 911 Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.093 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
350 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque:
287 foot-lbs @ 5600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.109 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
5.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 22 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
295 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
10.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
57.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
Not yet available
Front Leg Room:
Not yet available
Front Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4098 lbs
Width:
81.5 inches
Height:
51.1 inches
Length:
180.4 inches
Wheelbase:
100.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3197 lbs
Width:
71.2 inches
Height:
51.1 inches
Length:
176.8 inches
Wheelbase:
96.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/40R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / designo Platinum Black / Magnetite Black Metallic
Blue
designo Mauritius Blue / designo Mystic Blue / Quartz Blue Metallic
Brown
designo Mystic Brown
Gray
designo Magno Alanite Grey / designo Magno Cashmere White / designo Magno Platinum / Palladium Silver Metallic / Steel Grey Metallic
Red
designo Mystic Red / Mars Red / Storm Red Metallic
Silver
Iridium Silver Metallic
White
Diamond White Metallic
Gold
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Basalt Black Metallic / Black
Blue
Dark Blue Metallic / Sapphire Blue Metallic
Brown
Anthracite Brown Metallic / Mahogany Metallic
Gray
Agate Grey Metallic
Red
Amaranth Red Metallic / Guards Red
Silver
GT Silver Metallic / Rhodium Silver Metallic
White
White
Gold
Lime Gold Metallic
Yellow
Racing Yellow
Interior Colors
Beige
Natural Beige/Black / Stone/Dark Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Grey/Dark Grey
Red
Red/Black
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Luxor Beige
Black
Black / Black/ / Black/Luxor Beige / Black/Platinum Grey
Gray
Agate Grey / Agate Grey/Pebble Grey / Platinum Grey
Red
Carrera Red
Blue
Yachting Blue
Brown
Espresso / Umber
