1990 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 850 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW M3 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | SL |
Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2467 cc | 5956 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 238 HP | 375 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 580 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 100 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 94.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |