2004 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 259 kg more than 2004 BMW 525. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 525. (390 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2009 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
