2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (343 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 33 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 505 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (495 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 2009 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
