1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 40 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 635 kg more than 1968 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 484 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
