2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 380 kg more than 2010 BMW 120. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
