1994 BMW M5 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW M5 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1994 BMW M5. (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 599 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW M5. (401 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW M5. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | SL |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
