1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 511 kg more than 1961 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
