1999 BMW Z8 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1999 BMW Z8. (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW Z8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 375 kg more than 1999 BMW Z8. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW Z8. (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW Z8. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z8 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.1 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |
