2008 BMW 650 vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 650 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 650 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 650 | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 650 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
