1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 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 484 kg more than 2010 BMW 125.
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 (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 125. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 125. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW 125 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW 125 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 125 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
