2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (296 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 420 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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 @ 1800 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1375 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
