1986 BMW 735 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 735. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 735 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 735 (220 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 735 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 220 kg more than 1986 BMW 735.
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, 1986 BMW 735 (315 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW 735 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW 735 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 735 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 735 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
