1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 BMW M6
To start off, 2013 BMW M6 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M6 (552 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M6 weights approximately 120 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 M6 (678 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M6 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 M6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | M6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 552 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 678 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4903 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2106 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1374 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2851 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
