2000 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 345 kg more than 2004 BMW 320. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 2004 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 320 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
