1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (94 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 680 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 250 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 16.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
