2009 BMW 520 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 245 kg more than 2009 BMW 520. 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 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 520 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
