2001 BMW 740 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 740 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 2001 BMW 740. (317 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 328 kg more than 2001 BMW 740. 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 (998 Nm) has 588 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 740. (410 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 740 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
