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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. Its Competition

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Browse Used Listings		2012 Audi R8 GT2012 Audi R8
Browse Used Listings		2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package2012 Lexus LFA
Browse Used Listings		2012 Nissan GT-R 2012 Nissan GT-R
Browse Used Listings		2012 Porsche 9112012 Porsche 911
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.6
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.
9.2
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.
8.6
The 2012 GT-R outraces some of the world's top sports cars, at a fraction of their price.
9.0
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 Hwy11 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy11 MPG City / 16 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas V8Gas V8Gas V10Gas V6Gas Flat 6
EPA Class    
Two SeaterCompactTwo SeatersSubcompactMini-Compact
Style Name    
2-Door Coupe SLS AMG2-Door Coupe Manual quattro 4.2L2-Door Coupe2-Door Coupe Premium2-Door Coupe 997 Carrera
Drivetrain    
Rear Wheel DriveAll-Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
22244
Passenger Doors    
2N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
2 Door CoupeCoupeCoupe2 Door SedanCoupe
Transmission    
AutomaticManualAutomatic w/manual shiftAutomatic w/Manual ShiftManual
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Audi R82012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Lexus LFA2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Nissan GT-R2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG vs. 2012 Porsche 911