2004 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, both 2004 BMW 316 and 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 515 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. 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 (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 316 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:

2004 BMW 316 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make BMW Mercedes-Benz
Model 316 SL
Year Released 2004 2004
Body Type Station Wagon Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 5439 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 113 HP 493 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6100 RPM
Torque 175 Nm 700 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 2750 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 9.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline - Premium
Top Speed 200 km/hour 250 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 11.2 seconds 4.7 seconds
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1465 kg 1980 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 4540 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2570 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 7.5 L/100km 13.5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 80 L