2007 BMW 523 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1968 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
