1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 815 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600. (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6328 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2570 mm |
