2009 BMW 550 vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,495 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1965 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
