1980 BMW M1 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1980 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 534 kg more than 1980 BMW M1. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M1. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M1 | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
