1994 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 17 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1994 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 535 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
