2009 BMW 320 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (191 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
