Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6vsBMW Z4 (G29) M40i

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016

SL 400 V6

367 hp2996 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTwin-turboRoadster2019-2020
VS

BMW Z4 (G29)

M40i

340 hp2998 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticTurbochargedRoadster2018-2022

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6

  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    367 hp
    274 kW
  • Highest torque
    500 Nm
    369 lb-ft
  • Best estimated range
    872 km
    542 mi
  • Largest trunk
    364 L
  • Best overall score
    61/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100
  • Best practicality score
    35/100

BMW Z4 (G29) M40i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.5 s
  • Lightest
    1,535 kg
    3,384 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    221 hp/t
    165 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.4 L/100 km
    31.8 mpg US
    38.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    9.2 L/100 km
    25.6 mpg US
    30.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.3 L/100 km
    37.3 mpg US
    44.8 mpg UK
  • Best economy score
    87/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
Power
367hp274kW
340hp254kW
Torque
500Nm369lb-ft
500Nm369lb-ft
Curb weight
1,660kg3,660lb
1,535kg3,384lb
Gross weight
2,115kg4,663lb
1,860kg4,101lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
66.2s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
57.6s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
4.5s
0-200 km/h
16.5s
Calculated
15.2s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
4.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.6L/100 km27.4mpg US32.8mpg UK
7.4L/100 km31.8mpg US38.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
11.1L/100 km21.2mpg US25.4mpg UK
9.2L/100 km25.6mpg US30.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.1L/100 km33.1mpg US39.8mpg UK
6.3L/100 km37.3mpg US44.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.0s
Calculated
12.6s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
221hp/t165kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
221hp/t165kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
301Nm/t202lb-ft/ton
Calculated
326Nm/t218lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
872km542mi
Calculated
703km437mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,996cc183cu in
2,998cc183cu in
Length
4,631mm182in
4,324mm170in
Width
1,877mm74in
1,864mm73in
Height
1,315mm52in
1,304mm51in
Wheelbase
2,585mm102in
2,470mm97in
Front track
1,600mm63in
1,594mm63in
Rear track
1,604mm63in
1,589mm63in
Ground clearance-
114mm4in
Trunk volume
364L
281L
Max trunk volume
485L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
75L
52L
CO2 emissions-
168g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6BMW Z4 (G29) M40iPowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6: Power / Torque
  • BMW Z4 (G29) M40i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V65,500-6,000 rpm2,000-4,200 rpm6,300 rpm
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i5,000-6,500 rpm1,600-4,500 rpm6,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
4.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
4.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.5 s
15.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.1 s
330 ft
101 m
5.7 s
5.5 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
8.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
10.6 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.0 s
12.6 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
179 km/h
112 mph
184 km/h
114 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
367 hp
274 kW
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
340 hp
254 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 has 27 hp more than BMW Z4 (G29) M40i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW Z4 (G29) M40i and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6: 27 hp (20 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
500 Nm
369 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
1,660 kg
3,660 lb
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
1,535 kg
3,384 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V64.9 s
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i4.5 s

Although Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 has more power, BMW Z4 (G29) M40i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW Z4 (G29) M40i and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6: 0.4 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
7.4 L/100 km
31.8 mpg US
38.2 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW Z4 (G29) M40i and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6: 1.2 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
872 km
542 mi
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
703 km
437 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
367 hp
274 kW
4.9 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
340 hp
254 kW
4.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
Power
367 hp
274 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
364 L
12.9 cu ft
Length
4,631 mm
182.3 in
Height
1,315 mm
51.8 in
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
281 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,324 mm
170.2 in
Height
1,304 mm
51.3 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
Power
367 hp
274 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
7.4 L/100 km
31.8 mpg US
38.2 mpg UK

BMW Z4 (G29) M40i is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
4.9 s
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
7.4 L/100 km
31.8 mpg US
38.2 mpg UK
4.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
7.4 L/100 km
31.8 mpg US
38.2 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6BMWZ4 (G29)M40i
Power
367 hp
274 kW
340 hp
254 kW
Torque
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 s
4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,660 kg
3,660 lb
1,535 kg
3,384 lb
Fuel consumption
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
7.4 L/100 km
31.8 mpg US
38.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
364 L
12.9 cu ft
Length
4,631 mm
182.3 in
Height
1,315 mm
51.8 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
281 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,324 mm
170.2 in
Height
1,304 mm
51.3 in
Range score
872 km
542 mi
703 km
437 mi
CO2 score
-
168 g/km
Trunk score
364 L
12.9 cu ft
281 L
9.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleMercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6BMW Z4 (G29) M40i
Consumption8.6 L/100 km27.4 mpg US32.8 mpg UK7.4 L/100 km31.8 mpg US38.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.05 LC100 km12.95 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi24.22 LC100 mi20.84 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,290 L341 US gal284 UK gal1,110 L293 US gal244 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,258 LC/year1,943 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6

  • Has 27 hp more
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 169 km (105 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 83 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW Z4 (G29) M40i

  • Is 125 kg lighter
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 0 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) SL 400 V6
BMW Z4 (G29) M40i
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