1983 BMW 316 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 422 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 960 kg more than 1983 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 690 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
