1990 BMW 316 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 504 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1040 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 859 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
