1996 BMW 540 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 50 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2585 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
