1995 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 520 would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 360 more horse power than 1995 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 462 kg more than 1995 BMW 520. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 640 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 520 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | SL |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
