1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 14 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (320 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2012 BMW 335 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 335 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 | 2012 BMW 335 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | SL | 335 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 204 HP | 320 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 84 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4624 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1783 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1372 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |