1966 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 25 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 712 kg more than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 500 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3050 mm |
