1991 BMW 518 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 518 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 609 kg more than 1991 BMW 518. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | SL |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
