1990 BMW 850 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 120 kg more than 1990 BMW 850. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 850 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 850 | SL |
Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4988 cc | 5461 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 297 HP | 384 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 450 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 98 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1910 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |