1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 160 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 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 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 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 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 550 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | SL | 550 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 349 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 530 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1980 kg |
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 Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.5 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |