2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 427 more horse power than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. (83 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 680 kg more than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 562 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 has manual transmission. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 220 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
