1994 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 255 kg more than 2009 BMW 330.
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, 2009 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2009 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 330 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
