1984 BMW 318 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 360 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1984 BMW 318 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | SL |
Year Released | 1984 | 1971 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |