1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 60 kg more than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 220 | SL |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
