2002 BMW 330 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 330 would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 125 kg more than 2002 BMW 330. 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, 2002 BMW 330 (421 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
