2004 BMW M5 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 M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M5 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (493 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M5 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M5. (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M5. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW M5 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 M5 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1758 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 22.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
