1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 92 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 220 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.5:1 |
| 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 | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
