BMW Z3 vs Mercedes-Benz SL320
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL320SL320 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5i | SL320 |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2002 | 1997 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL320SL320 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,300 | $0 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL320SL320 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 18 MPG (best) | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal | 21.1 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL320SL320 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 228 hp (best) |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 232 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 3.2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I6 | I6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL320SL320 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats (best) | — |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | — | 7.9 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,899 lbs (best) | 4,010 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 96.3 in | 99 in (best) |
| Length | 159.4 in | 177.1 in (best) |
| Width | 68.5 in | 71.3 in (best) |
| Height | 50.9 in | 51.3 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL320SL320 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW Z3 | Mercedes-Benz SL320 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5i $31,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SL320 $0 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.0i $37,700 MSRP | — |
| 3 | 3.0i $37,900 MSRP | — |
| 4 | M $44,990 MSRP | — |
| 5 | M $45,990 MSRP | — |
BMW Z3 vs Mercedes-Benz SL320 FAQ
- Which is better: 2002 BMW Z3 or 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2002 BMW Z3 vs 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2002 BMW Z3 or 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 starts lower at $0.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2002 BMW Z3 or 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320?
- The 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (0).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2002 BMW Z3 or 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (21).
- Which has better horsepower: 2002 BMW Z3 or 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (315).
- Which has better seats: 2002 BMW Z3 or 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on seats in this comparison (2).