2003 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 565 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 526 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
