1999 BMW M5 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 BMW M5 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,900 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW M5 (401 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 150 kg more than 1999 BMW M5.
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, 1999 BMW M5 (499 Nm) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm). This means 1999 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW M5 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4900 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 499 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
