1994 BMW 854 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 854. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 854 would be higher. At 5,378 cc (12 cylinders), 1994 BMW 854 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 854 (323 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 854 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 854 weights approximately 111 kg more than 1997 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, 1994 BMW 854 (490 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 854 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1994 BMW 854 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 BMW 854 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 854 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 854 | SL |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5378 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
