1996 BMW 725 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 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 463 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 335 kg more than 1996 BMW 725. 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 (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 720 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 725 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
