2007 BMW 530 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 530 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 260 kg more than 2007 BMW 530.
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 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 530 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2799 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 | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
