2008 BMW 650 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 650 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 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 132 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 50 kg more than 2008 BMW 650.
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 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2008 BMW 650 has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 650 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 650 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
