1998 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 1998 BMW 316 and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 432 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
