2007 BMW 130 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 BMW 130 is newer by 9 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 455 kg more than 2007 BMW 130.
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, 2007 BMW 130 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 130 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 130 | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
