1985 BMW M5 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1985 BMW M5. (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 455 kg more than 1985 BMW M5. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.1 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.7 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 17 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 14.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
