2004 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 2004 BMW 320 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 390 kg more than 2004 BMW 320. 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
