1983 BMW 323 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 918 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 625 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 323 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:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
