2005 BMW 535 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 BMW 535 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 2005 BMW 535. (241 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 270 kg more than 2005 BMW 535. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 535. (330 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 535. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 535 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 4.7 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 | 1685 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
