BMW Z8 vs Mercedes-Benz SL500
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | SL500 |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2006 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $131,500 | $92,900 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 15 MPG | 17 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 12 MPG | 14 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 19 MPG | 22 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp (best) | 302 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft (best) | 339 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 4.9 L | 5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 5.1 cu ft | 10.2 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,495 lbs (best) | 4,065 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 98.6 in | 100.8 in (best) |
| Length | 173.2 in | 178.5 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in (best) | 71.5 in |
| Height | 51.9 in (best) | 51 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 Z8 | Mercedes-Benz SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $131,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SL500 $92,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) |