1983 BMW M6 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW M6 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1983 BMW M6. (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW M6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 295 kg more than 1983 BMW M6. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW M6. (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW M6. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW M6 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M6 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
