2008 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 370 kg more than 2008 BMW 525.
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 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5956 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 375 HP |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
