2007 BMW 120 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 10 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 419 kg more than 2007 BMW 120. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 120. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 120. 2007 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 120 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
