1990 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 810 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
