1996 BMW 332 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 1996 BMW 332 and 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 BMW 332. (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 332. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 240 kg more than 1996 BMW 332. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 332. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 332. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 332 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
