1957 BMW 600 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 600 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1957 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1250 kg more than 1957 BMW 600. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 600. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1957 BMW 600 has manual transmission. 1957 BMW 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 600 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | SL |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2520 mm |
