2001 BMW 730 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 BMW 730 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2001 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 730 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1989 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, 2001 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 730 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
