2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 702 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 605 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 4.2 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 | 1385 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
