1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5
To start off, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 weights approximately 170 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 ActiveHybrid 5 (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 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 ActiveHybrid 5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | ActiveHybrid 5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
