2000 BMW Z8 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 BMW Z8 is newer by 2 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 465 kg more than 2000 BMW Z8.
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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z8. (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z8. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2000 BMW Z8 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Z8 | SL |
Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4939 cc | 5987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 389 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 500 Nm | 570 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 89.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 5.1 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 | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |