BMW 3 series 2010 vs Mercedes SL 2012
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.0 Diesel | 3.0 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 245 HP | 335 HP | |
| Torque: | 520 NM | 480 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 6.5 seconds | 5.2 seconds | |
|
Mercedes SL is a more dynamic driving. BMW 3 series engine produces 90 HP less power than Mercedes SL, but torque is 40 NM more than Mercedes SL. Due to the lower power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.3 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.4 | 7.7 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 7.7 l/100km | 12.9 l/100km | |
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The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes SL, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 195 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 5.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes SL. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 litres | 65 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 950 km in combined cycle | 840 km in combined cycle | |
| 1120 km on highway | 1040 km on highway | ||
| 790 km with real consumption | 500 km with real consumption | ||
| BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Ground clearance: | 138 mm (5.4 inches) | 96 mm (3.8 inches) | |
| Because of the higher ground clearance, BMW 3 series can perform better on bad roads - it can go over higher obstacles and bumps. At the same time, the higher ground clearance can reduce stability and handling on paved roads, especially at higher speeds. Note, however, that this BMW 3 series version does not have 4x4 drive, which is very important in poor road conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 350'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a BMW 3 series engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 16 years | 14 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 4 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X6 | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes ML, Mercedes GLE | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 series might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.61 m | 4.62 m | |
| Width: | 1.78 m | 1.88 m | |
| Height: | 1.38 m | 1.32 m | |
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BMW 3 series is smaller, but higher. BMW 3 series and Mercedes SL are practically the same length. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 210 litres | 241 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
350 litres | 381 litres | |
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Mercedes SL has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 31 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes SL. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Mercedes SL (by 31 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 11 meters | |
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`195 | 2`110 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | above average | no data | |
| Average price (€): | 13 400 | 20 800 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Mercedes SL has
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