1986 BMW 325 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1986 BMW 325. (126 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 530 kg more than 1986 BMW 325. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (230 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
