1998 BMW 316 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 387 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 4.7 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 | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
