1996 BMW 540 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 1996 BMW 540 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 315 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
