1989 BMW 518 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 600 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 BMW 518 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 518 | SL |
Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |