Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12vsMercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016

AMG SL 65 V12

630 hp5980 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTwin-turboRoadster2016-2018
VS

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1998

AMG SL 73 V12

525 hp7291 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster1999-2001

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.0 s
  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    630 hp
    470 kW
  • Highest torque
    1,000 Nm
    738 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,875 kg
    4,134 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    336 hp/t
    251 kW/t
    3.0 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.9 L/100 km
    19.8 mpg US
    23.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.4 L/100 km
    13.5 mpg US
    16.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.8 L/100 km
    26.7 mpg US
    32.1 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    630 km
    392 mi
  • Largest trunk
    364 L
  • Best overall score
    69/100
  • Best performance score
    86/100
  • Best economy score
    75/100
  • Best practicality score
    33/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Power
630hp470kW
525hp391kW
Torque
1,000Nm738lb-ft
750Nm553lb-ft
Curb weight
1,875kg4,134lb
1,975kg4,354lb
Gross weight
2,210kg4,872lb
2,320kg5,115lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
47.1s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
62.3s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.0s
4.8s
0-200 km/h
12.6s
Calculated
15.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
3.8s
Calculated
4.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
15.9L/100 km14.8mpg US17.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.4L/100 km13.5mpg US16.2mpg UK
24.5L/100 km9.6mpg US11.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
11.9s
Calculated
12.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
336hp/t251kW/t152hp/1000 lb
Calculated
266hp/t198kW/t121hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
533Nm/t357lb-ft/ton
Calculated
380Nm/t254lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
630km392mi
Calculated
503km313mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,980cc365cu in
7,291cc445cu in
Length-
4,499mm177in
Width-
1,812mm71in
Height-
1,296mm51in
Wheelbase-
2,515mm99in
Front track-
1,553mm61in
Rear track-
1,541mm61in
Trunk volume
364L
265L
Max trunk volume
504L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
75L
80L
CO2 emissions
279g/km
-

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V124,800-5,400 rpm2,300-4,300 rpm5,650 rpm
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V125,500 rpm4,000 rpm5,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
3.8 s
4.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.0 s
4.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
12.6 s
15.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.1 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.3 s
5.7 s
1/8 mile
201 m
7.8 s
8.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.1 s
10.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
11.9 s
12.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
195 km/h
121 mph
182 km/h
113 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
630 hp
470 kW
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
525 hp
391 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12 has 105 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12: 105 hp (78 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
1,000 Nm
738 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
750 Nm
553 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
1,875 kg
4,134 lb
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
1,975 kg
4,354 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V124.0 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V124.8 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12: 0.8 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
15.9 L/100 km
14.8 mpg US
17.8 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12: 4.0 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
336 hp/t
251 kW/t
3.0 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
266 hp/t
198 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
630 km
392 mi
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
503 km
313 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
630 hp
470 kW
4.0 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
525 hp
391 kW
4.8 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
Power
630 hp
470 kW
0-100 km/h4.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
364 L
12.9 cu ft
Length-
Height-
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Power
525 hp
391 kW
0-100 km/h4.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Length
4,499 mm
177.1 in
Height
1,296 mm
51.0 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
Power
630 hp
470 kW
0-100 km/h4.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Power
525 hp
391 kW
0-100 km/h4.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
15.9 L/100 km
14.8 mpg US
17.8 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
4.0 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
15.9 L/100 km
14.8 mpg US
17.8 mpg UK
4.8 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12
336 hp/t
251 kW/t
3.0 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
266 hp/t
198 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
15.9 L/100 km
14.8 mpg US
17.8 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016AMG SL 65 V12Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Power
630 hp
470 kW
525 hp
391 kW
Torque
1,000 Nm
738 lb-ft
750 Nm
553 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.0 s
4.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,875 kg
4,134 lb
1,975 kg
4,354 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
15.9 L/100 km
14.8 mpg US
17.8 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
364 L
12.9 cu ft
Length-
Height-
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Length
4,499 mm
177.1 in
Height
1,296 mm
51.0 in
Range score
630 km
392 mi
503 km
313 mi
CO2 score
279 g/km
-
Trunk score
364 L
12.9 cu ft
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
336 hp/t
251 kW/t
3.0 kg/hp
266 hp/t
198 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleMercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK15.9 L/100 km14.8 mpg US17.8 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km27.83 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi44.78 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal2,385 L630 US gal525 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year4,174 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 AMG SL 65 V12

  • Has 105 hp more
  • Has 250 Nm more
  • Is 100 kg lighter
  • Is 0.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 4.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 70 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 127 km (79 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 99 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) AMG SL 65 V12
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) AMG SL 73 V12
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2 vehicles selected

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