2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 342 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 630 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 510 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 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 | 1325 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
