1983 BMW M6 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 255 kg more than 1983 BMW M6.
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, 1983 BMW M6 (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1983 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW M6 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M6 | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4510 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 |
