BMW Z8 (2000 – 2003) vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse (1998 – 2001): specs compared

The BMW Z8 is the more powerful of the two, with up to 400 hp against 394 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 4.7 s against 6.1 s. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse uses less fuel, from 10.7 L/100 km against 14.5 L/100 km. The BMW Z8 is the lighter car, from 1,590 kg against 1,715 kg. At 4,470 mm, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse is 71 mm longer than the BMW Z8. The BMW Z8 dates from 2000 – 2003, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse from 1998 – 2001.

Specification BMW Z8 BMW Z8 2000 – 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse 1998 – 2001
Overview
Origin Germany Germany
Documented years 2000 – 2003 1998 – 2001
Body style — —
Variants 1 4
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Drive RWD RWD
Gearbox Manual Automatic · Manual
Performance
Power 400 hp 204 – 394 hp
Torque 500 Nm 270 – 570 Nm
0–100 km/h 4.7 s 6.1 – 9.7 s
Top speed 250 km/h 232 – 250 km/h
Economy
Fuel economy 14.5 L/100 km 10.7 – 15.5 L/100 km
Dimensions
Length 4,399 mm 4,470 mm
Width 1,829 mm 1,811 mm
Height 1,318 mm 1,290 mm
Wheelbase 2,504 mm 2,520 mm
Curb weight 1,590 kg 1,715 – 1,955 kg

Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.

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