1998 BMW 845 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 845. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 845 would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1998 BMW 845. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 845. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 200 kg more than 1998 BMW 845. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 845. (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 845. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 845 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 845 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 845 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 845 | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
