1999 BMW 323 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 482 kg more than 1999 BMW 323. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
