2009 BMW 135 vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 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 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 135 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 52 L |
