1992 BMW 538 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 538. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 538 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1992 BMW 538. (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 538. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1992 BMW 538. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 538. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 538.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 538 | SL |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
