2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 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 @ 6100 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (343 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 623 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4. 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 (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (495 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 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:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
