2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 BMW 535
To start off, 2010 BMW 535 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 535 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2010 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2010 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 535 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3066 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
