1999 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1999 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, 2012 BMW 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | 335 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
