1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW 6 series
To start off, 2013 BMW 6 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 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 78 more horse power than 2013 BMW 6 series. (311 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 6 series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 235 kg more than 2013 BMW 6 series. 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 6 series. (447 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 6 series.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 BMW 6 series | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 6 series |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4897 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2856 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
