1997 BMW 730 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 730 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 233 more horse power than 1997 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 40 kg more than 1997 BMW 730. 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 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 730. (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 730 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2585 mm |
