2000 BMW 325 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW 325 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2000 BMW 325. (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 338 kg more than 2000 BMW 325. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 325. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 325 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
