1981 BMW 745 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1981 BMW 745. (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 745. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 105 kg more than 1981 BMW 745. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 745 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 745 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 745 | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
