1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 165 kg more than 2010 BMW 120. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
