2008 BMW M6 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW M6 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M6 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (349 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M6 weights approximately 185 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M6. (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M6. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M6 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M6 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2005 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.4 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
