1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW X6
To start off, 2013 BMW X6 is newer by 17 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 5,956 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 79 more horse power than 2013 BMW X6. (296 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW X6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW X6 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2013 BMW X6 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW X6 will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW X6 (610 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW X6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 BMW X6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | X6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 610 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0 : 1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2195 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 15.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
