1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 6,330 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 725 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600. (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6330 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 2045 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 |
