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 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 207 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 (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 319 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 | 7291 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 766 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 4470 mm | 4897 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2856 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
