2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 502 kg more than 1985 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 599 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 998 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
