1990 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 845 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 590 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 4.5 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 | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
