1988 BMW 316 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
