1975 BMW 1502 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 1502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 1502 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1975 BMW 1502. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 1502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 910 kg more than 1975 BMW 1502. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 1502. (118 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 1502. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 1502 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 1502 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1975 BMW 1502 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make BMW Mercedes-Benz
Model 1502 SL
Year Released 1975 1998
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1573 cc 4966 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 73 HP 302 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 118 Nm 461 Nm
Torque RPM 3700 RPM 2700 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 97 mm
Engine Stroke Size 71 mm 84 mm
Top Speed 155 km/hour 250 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 980 kg 1890 kg
Vehicle Length 4240 mm 4510 mm
Vehicle Width 1600 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2510 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 80 L