1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 15 kg more than 1968 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SL | SE |
Year Released | 1968 | 1961 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2193 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 216 Nm | 189 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1375 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 100 L |