Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) · Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12vsMercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) · Facelift 2008

SL 600 V12

517 hp5513 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTwin-turboRoadster2008-2011
VS

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1995

SL 500 V8

320 hp4973 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster1995-1998

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    517 hp
    386 kW
  • Highest torque
    830 Nm
    612 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    262 hp/t
    196 kW/t
    3.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest highway consumption
    9.6 L/100 km
    24.5 mpg US
    29.4 mpg UK
  • Best overall score
    67/100
  • Best performance score
    85/100

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8

  • Lightest
    1,835 kg
    4,045 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.5 L/100 km
    20.5 mpg US
    24.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.0 L/100 km
    14.7 mpg US
    17.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    696 km
    432 mi
  • Largest trunk
    265 L
  • Best economy score
    76/100
  • Best practicality score
    31/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
Power
517hp386kW
320hp239kW
Torque
830Nm612lb-ft
470Nm347lb-ft
Curb weight
1,970kg4,343lb
1,835kg4,045lb
Gross weight
2,320kg5,115lb
2,230kg4,916lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
58.2s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
91.0s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.5s
6.5s
0-200 km/h
14.8s
Calculated
23.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.3s
Calculated
6.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
13.9L/100 km16.9mpg US20.3mpg UK
11.5L/100 km20.5mpg US24.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
21.1L/100 km11.1mpg US13.4mpg UK
16L/100 km14.7mpg US17.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.5s
Calculated
14.5s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
262hp/t196kW/t119hp/1000 lb
Calculated
174hp/t130kW/t79hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
421Nm/t282lb-ft/ton
Calculated
256Nm/t171lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
576km358mi
Calculated
696km432mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,513cc336cu in
4,973cc303cu in
Length
4,562mm180in
4,499mm177in
Width
1,820mm72in
1,812mm71in
Height
1,317mm52in
1,303mm51in
Wheelbase
2,560mm101in
2,515mm99in
Front track
1,559mm61in
1,535mm60in
Rear track
1,547mm61in
1,523mm60in
Trunk volume
235L
265L
Max trunk volume
339L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
80L
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 (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V125,000 rpm1,900-3,500 rpm5,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V85,600 rpm3,900 rpm5,850 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.3 s
6.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.5 s
6.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
14.8 s
23.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.1 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.5 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.2 s
9.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.6 s
12.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.5 s
14.5 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
185 km/h
115 mph
162 km/h
101 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
517 hp
386 kW
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
320 hp
239 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12 has 197 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12: 197 hp (147 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
830 Nm
612 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
470 Nm
347 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
1,970 kg
4,343 lb
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
1,835 kg
4,045 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V124.5 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V86.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8: 2.0 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
11.5 L/100 km
20.5 mpg US
24.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12: 2.4 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
262 hp/t
196 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.7 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
576 km
358 mi
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
696 km
432 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
517 hp
386 kW
4.5 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
320 hp
239 kW
6.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
Power
517 hp
386 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
235 L
8.3 cu ft
Length
4,562 mm
179.6 in
Height
1,317 mm
51.9 in
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
Power
320 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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
1,303 mm
51.3 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
Power
517 hp
386 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
Power
320 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.5 L/100 km
20.5 mpg US
24.6 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
4.5 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
11.5 L/100 km
20.5 mpg US
24.6 mpg UK
6.5 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 (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
262 hp/t
196 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.7 kg/hp
11.5 L/100 km
20.5 mpg US
24.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 500 V8
Power
517 hp
386 kW
320 hp
239 kW
Torque
830 Nm
612 lb-ft
470 Nm
347 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.5 s
6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,970 kg
4,343 lb
1,835 kg
4,045 lb
Fuel consumption
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
11.5 L/100 km
20.5 mpg US
24.6 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
235 L
8.3 cu ft
Length
4,562 mm
179.6 in
Height
1,317 mm
51.9 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Length
4,499 mm
177.1 in
Height
1,303 mm
51.3 in
Range score
576 km
358 mi
696 km
432 mi
Trunk score
235 L
8.3 cu ft
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
262 hp/t
196 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
174 hp/t
130 kW/t
5.7 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 (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8
Consumption13.9 L/100 km16.9 mpg US20.3 mpg UK11.5 L/100 km20.5 mpg US24.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km24.33 LC100 km20.13 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi39.15 LC100 mi32.39 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,085 L551 US gal459 UK gal1,725 L456 US gal379 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,649 LC/year3,019 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12

  • Has 197 hp more
  • Has 360 Nm more
  • Is 2.0 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 88 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8

  • Is 135 kg lighter
  • Uses 2.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 120 km (75 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 30 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) SL 600 V12
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 500 V8
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2 vehicles selected

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Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) · Facelift 2008 SL 600 V12 vs Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1995 SL 500 V8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster