1992 BMW 538 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1992 BMW 538. (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 538. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 538. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 538 | SL |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1315 mm |
