1997 BMW 850 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 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (613 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 5 kg more than 1997 BMW 850. 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 (999 Nm) has 509 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW 850 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 850 | SL |
Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 5379 cc | 6000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 329 HP | 613 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 490 Nm | 999 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4633 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2099 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2585 mm |