1987 BMW 730 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1987 BMW 730. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 208 kg more than 1987 BMW 730. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 730. (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 730. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 730 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:
| 1987 BMW 730 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1602 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 | 90 L | 80 L |
