2008 BMW 523 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 279 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
