1996 BMW 540 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1971 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 540 | SL |
Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |