2008 BMW 740 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW 740 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2008 BMW 740. (255 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 740 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 740 (600 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 740 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3901 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
