1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1971 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, 2009 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 120 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
