1988 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 185 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 520 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | SL |
Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |