2008 BMW 320 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 405 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
