1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 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 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | SL | 530 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3197 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 224 HP | 256 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 315 Nm | 540 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |