2007 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 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 235 kg more than 2007 BMW M3.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW M3. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2007 BMW M3 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | SL |
Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 461 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |