1995 BMW 330 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 330 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1995 BMW 330. (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 630 kg more than 1995 BMW 330. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 330. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 330. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 330 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | SL |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
