2004 BMW 530 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 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 530 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 2004 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 195 kg more than 2004 BMW 530. 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 (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 530. (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 530 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1955 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 Overall | 8 L/100km | 14.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
