1958 BMW 600 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 600 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1958 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1958 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 600 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2520 mm |
