1966 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (113 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 300 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
