2008 BMW 130 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 130 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2008 BMW 130. (268 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 130. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 580 kg more than 2008 BMW 130. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 130. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 130.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 130 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 130 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
