1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 528
To start off, 2012 BMW 528 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2012 BMW 528. (240 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 320 kg more than 2012 BMW 528. 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 528. (352 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 528 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
