1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 13 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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 123 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 145 kg more than 2011 BMW 123.
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, 2011 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 123 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 | 2011 BMW 123 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | SL | 123 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2797 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 202 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1615 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 Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |