2008 BMW X3 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1993 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
