1980 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 980 kg more than 1980 BMW 316. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 456 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 BMW 316 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 316 | SL |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1573 cc | 5956 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 375 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 580 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 94.8 mm |
Top Speed | 175 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 | 1070 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |