2005 BMW 318 vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1970 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, 2005 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
