1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 15 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 275 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | SL | 5 Series |
Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3197 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 224 HP | 296 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 315 Nm | 407 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.2 :1 |
Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4999 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2132 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1559 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3070 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |