1996 BMW 540 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 225 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 4.5 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 | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
