2004 BMW 118 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 118 would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 485 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 215 kg more than 2004 BMW 118. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 721 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 118 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2004 BMW 118 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make BMW Mercedes-Benz
Model 118 SL
Year Released 2004 2006
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1971 cc 5982 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 12 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 120 HP 605 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 280 Nm 1001 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 82.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 93 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 17.2:1 11.0:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1385 kg 1600 kg
Vehicle Length 4230 mm 4540 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Consumption 4.5 L/100km 12.4 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 7.7 L/100km 18.1 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.6 L/100km 15.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 80 L