2003 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 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 462 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 800 kg more than 2003 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 798 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 320 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 320 | SL |
Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5980 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 604 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 998 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 2110 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |