1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 455 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | SL | 3 Series |
Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 316 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 216 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.2 :1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1961 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |