1983 BMW 323 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1983 BMW 323 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 233 kg more than 1983 BMW 323. 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
