1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (178 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 280 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 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 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
