1997 BMW 730 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 1997 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 81 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
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 SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 730. (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 SLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 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 | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2680 mm |
