1972 BMW Turbo vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 776 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW Turbo has manual transmission. 1972 BMW Turbo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Turbo | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
