1992 BMW 320 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1992 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 375 kg more than 1992 BMW 320. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 320 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
