1983 BMW 323 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 642 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
