1992 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 1992 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 320 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 320. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 320 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
