2007 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 488 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 260 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 383 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
