1999 BMW 740 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 740 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1999 BMW 740. (283 HP @ 7750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 740 weights approximately 705 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 740. (419 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 740. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 740 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 740 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 419 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
