2009 BMW 635 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 635 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2009 BMW 635. (282 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 635.
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 635 (580 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 635 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 635 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 635 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
