2009 BMW 120 vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1966 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 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 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 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 52 L |
