2008 BMW 323 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 323 is newer by 3 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 2008 BMW 323. (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 465 kg more than 2008 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 470 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 323. (230 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 323. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 323 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:
| 2008 BMW 323 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5439 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 14.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
