2009 BMW 325 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2009 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 325.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 325. (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 325. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 325 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
