2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 374 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. (231 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 596 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500. (405 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5982 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 605 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
