1993 BMW 856 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 21 kg more than 2005 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (470 Nm). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 856 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 856 | SL |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1844 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
