2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW 7 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 7 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2013 BMW 7 Series. (439 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 7 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 7 Series weights approximately 256 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 7 Series. (651 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 7 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 BMW 7 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 7 Series |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1921 kg | 2177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5214 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2134 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
