2009 BMW 120 vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,305 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1965 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
