2005 BMW Z4 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 2005 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW Z4 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW Z4. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW Z4 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
