1998 BMW 323 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 448 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 183 kg more than 1998 BMW 323. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm) has 534 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (246 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 334 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2850 mm |
