1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 BMW 118
To start off, 2010 BMW 118 is newer by 12 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 159 more horse power than 2010 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 395 kg more than 2010 BMW 118. 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 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 118. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 118 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
