2006 BMW 730 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 BMW 730 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 730 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 730 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 730 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 730 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
