1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 505 kg more than 1990 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 596 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 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 | 1615 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
