1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 450 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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 (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
