Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8vsMercedes-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

SL 500 V8

455 hp4663 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTwin-turboRoadster2019-2020
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 SL 500 V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.3 s
  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,740 kg
    3,836 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.1 L/100 km
    23.3 mpg US
    28.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    14.2 L/100 km
    16.6 mpg US
    19.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    743 km
    461 mi
  • Largest trunk
    364 L
  • Best overall score
    68/100
  • Best performance score
    83/100
  • Best economy score
    80/100
  • Best practicality score
    35/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Power
455hp339kW
525hp391kW
Torque
700Nm516lb-ft
750Nm553lb-ft
Curb weight
1,740kg3,836lb
1,975kg4,354lb
Gross weight
2,175kg4,795lb
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
55.7s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
62.3s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.3s
4.8s
0-200 km/h
14.2s
Calculated
15.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.1s
Calculated
4.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.1L/100 km23.3mpg US28.0mpg UK
15.9L/100 km14.8mpg US17.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.2L/100 km16.6mpg US19.9mpg UK
24.5L/100 km9.6mpg US11.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.3s
Calculated
12.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
261hp/t195kW/t119hp/1000 lb
Calculated
266hp/t198kW/t121hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
402Nm/t269lb-ft/ton
Calculated
380Nm/t254lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
743km461mi
Calculated
503km313mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,663cc285cu in
7,291cc445cu in
Length
4,631mm182in
4,499mm177in
Width
1,877mm74in
1,812mm71in
Height
1,315mm52in
1,296mm51in
Wheelbase
2,585mm102in
2,515mm99in
Front track
1,600mm63in
1,553mm61in
Rear track
1,604mm63in
1,541mm61in
Trunk volume
364L
265L
Max trunk volume
485L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
75L
80L

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 SL 500 V8Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: 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 2016SL 500 V85,250 rpm1,800-3,500 rpm6,500 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 2016SL 500 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.1 s
4.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.3 s
4.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
14.2 s
15.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
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
5.4 s
5.7 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.1 s
8.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.4 s
10.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.3 s
12.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
188 km/h
117 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 2016SL 500 V8
455 hp
339 kW
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
525 hp
391 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12 has 70 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12: 70 hp (52 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
700 Nm
516 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 2016SL 500 V8
1,740 kg
3,836 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 2016SL 500 V8
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 2016SL 500 V84.3 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V124.8 s

Although Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12 has more power, Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12: 0.5 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 2016SL 500 V8
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 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 SL 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12: 5.8 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 2016SL 500 V8
261 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 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 2016SL 500 V8
743 km
461 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 2016SL 500 V8
455 hp
339 kW
4.3 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 2016SL 500 V8
Power
455 hp
339 kW
0-100 km/h4.3 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
4,631 mm
182.3 in
Height
1,315 mm
51.8 in
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 2016SL 500 V8
Power
455 hp
339 kW
0-100 km/h4.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 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 SL 500 V8 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 2016SL 500 V8
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 mpg UK
4.3 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 2016SL 500 V8
261 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 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 2016SL 500 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
Power
455 hp
339 kW
525 hp
391 kW
Torque
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
750 Nm
553 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.3 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
1,740 kg
3,836 lb
1,975 kg
4,354 lb
Fuel consumption
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 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
4,631 mm
182.3 in
Height
1,315 mm
51.8 in
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
743 km
461 mi
503 km
313 mi
Trunk score
364 L
12.9 cu ft
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
261 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 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 SL 500 V8Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12
Consumption10.1 L/100 km23.3 mpg US28 mpg UK15.9 L/100 km14.8 mpg US17.8 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.68 LC100 km27.83 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi28.45 LC100 mi44.78 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,515 L400 US gal333 UK gal2,385 L630 US gal525 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,651 LC/year4,174 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8

  • Is 235 kg lighter
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 5.8 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 239 km (149 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 99 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) SL 500 V8
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) AMG SL 73 V12
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 vs Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1998 AMG SL 73 V12 - car comparison - FastVsFaster