2007 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 323 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 (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 429 more horse power than 2007 BMW 323. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 456 kg more than 2007 BMW 323. 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 (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 771 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 323. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 323. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 323 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:
| 2007 BMW 323 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
