2009 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 630 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 600 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
