2009 BMW 550 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 183 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 4966 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
