1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 29 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 401 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
