1988 BMW M5 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 112 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M5 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M5 | SL |
Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3533 cc | 4966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 360 Nm | 460 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |