1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,330 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 (247 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 1410 kg more than 1971 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 600 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6330 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2770 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6250 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3910 mm | 2410 mm |
