1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 BMW 630
To start off, 2009 BMW 630 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 630 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 630 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 222 kg more than 2009 BMW 630.
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 BMW 630 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 630 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 BMW 630 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 630 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
