1961 BMW 700 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1961 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 700.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 700 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 700 | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
