1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 41 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 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 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 118 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 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 | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
