2006 BMW 530 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530.
Because 2006 BMW 530 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 530. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 530. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
