1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP) has 441 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 184 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 230 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 575 HP |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 330 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
