2006 BMW 550 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 44 kg more than 2006 BMW 550.
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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW 550 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 550 | SL |
Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4799 cc | 4971 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 360 HP | 315 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 488 Nm | 468 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1769 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |