2009 BMW 550 vs. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. (231 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
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 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2962 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 268 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
