2008 BMW 320 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 320 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 320 | SL |
Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 161 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 330 Nm | 267 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |