1956 BMW 507 vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1956 BMW 507. (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 507. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 46 kg more than 1956 BMW 507. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1956 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 507 | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 507 | SL |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 52 L |
