2001 BMW 520 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1968 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
