2003 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 1 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 85 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | SL |
Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2170 cc | 3724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |