2003 BMW 320 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1971 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, 2003 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 320 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 320 | SL |
Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |