1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2007 BMW 335
To start off, 2007 BMW 335 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2007 BMW 335. (302 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 335. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 335 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 335. (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 335.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2007 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 335 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
