2008 BMW M5 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW M5 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M5 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1998 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 M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M5 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
