2008 BMW 320 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 10 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 350 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
