2003 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 395 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 491 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 14.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
