The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has some stupendous competition, ranging from the relatively inexpensive $85,000 Nissan GT-R to the hyper-exotically priced $375,000 Lexus LFA.
The GT-R's a bargain compared to the SLS, but its noisy transmission and mass-market badges take some of the sheen off its apocalyptic acceleration and grip.
The Lexus LFA is a bit slower and twice as expensive as the SLS AMG, and production is extremely limited, but it's all carbon-fiber body, all the time.
The Porsche 911 Turbo performs in the same stratosphere as the SLS, but it's just as iconic--and less costly if you skip some of the exotic trim options.
The real competition for the SLS AMG is the Audi R8 V-10; slinging a Lamborghini engine between its rear wheels and outfitted with all-wheel drive, the R8 has a spacious, well-fitted interior, and a new convertible edition--though it has none of the heritage of the SLS, or the 911 for that matter.
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Audi R8Browse Used Listings |  2012 Lexus LFABrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan GT-RBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Porsche 911Browse Used Listings |
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has those stunning gullwing doors, but but we'd take the Roadster any day--all the better to savor the sounds from that epic AMG V-8. |
A marriage of the best of German handling and Italian power, the 2012 Audi R8 is a fantastic all-around supercar. | The 2012 Lexus LFA, like any supercar, is more of an emotional than a logical purchase, and if you can get over the fact that it's not the fastest even though it's one of the most expensive, it will serve well as a show-stopper. |
The 2012 GT-R outraces some of the world's top sports cars, at a fraction of their price. |
The 2012 Porsche 911 is one of the best buys in the sports car market, and quite possibly the most practical, luxurious car at its performance level available. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $189,600 | $114,200 | $375,000 | $89,950 | $79,000 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 14 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 11 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 11 MPG City / 16 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V8 | Gas V8 | Gas V10 | Gas V6 | Gas Flat 6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Two Seater | Compact | Two Seaters | Subcompact | Mini-Compact |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2-Door Coupe SLS AMG | 2-Door Coupe Manual quattro 4.2L | 2-Door Coupe | 2-Door Coupe Premium | 2-Door Coupe 997 Carrera |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 2 Door Coupe | Coupe | Coupe | 2 Door Sedan | Coupe |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Manual | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Audi R8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Lexus LFA | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Nissan GT-R | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Porsche 911 | |
