1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600. (247 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600. (500 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 600 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7291 cc | 6332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 766 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 6250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 112 L |
