BMW Z8 vs Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMGAMG SL 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | AMG SL 55 |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMGAMG SL 55 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $131,500 (best) | $145,250 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMGAMG SL 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 15 MPG | 16 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 12 MPG | 13 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 19 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 18.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMGAMG SL 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp | 469 hp (best) |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 4.9 L (best) | 4 L |
| Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMGAMG SL 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 4 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 5.1 cu ft | 7.5 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,495 lbs (best) | 4,277 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 98.6 in | 106.3 in (best) |
| Length | 173.2 in | 185.2 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in | 75.4 in (best) |
| Height | 51.9 in | 53.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMGAMG SL 55 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 SL55 AMG |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $131,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) | AMG SL 55 $145,250 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
BMW Z8 vs Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 BMW Z8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 BMW Z8 starts lower at $131,500.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG?
- The 2003 BMW Z8 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (131,500).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (16).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG leads on horsepower in this comparison (469).
- Which has better seats: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG leads on seats in this comparison (4).