1962 BMW 1500 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 913 kg more than 1962 BMW 1500. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 682 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1962 BMW 1500 has manual transmission. 1962 BMW 1500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |
