2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 362 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 375 kg more than 2009 BMW 318. 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 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.6 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
