2000 BMW Z3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
