1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2006 BMW Z4
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 435 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2006 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
