2009 BMW 525 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 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 5,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2009 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 295 kg more than 2009 BMW 525. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5495 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
