1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 62 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 560 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1748 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
