1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (94 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 610 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 250 | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 16.8 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
