1992 BMW 540 vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 421 kg more than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | SL |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
