1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 285 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2520 mm |
