1992 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. (231 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 230 kg more than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 268 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
