2009 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 380 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
