Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230)

AMG SL 55 V8

476 hp5439 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticSuperchargedRoadster2001-2006
VS

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129)

SL 600 V12

394 hp5987 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster1993-1995

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.7 s
  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    476 hp
    355 kW
  • Highest torque
    700 Nm
    516 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,880 kg
    4,145 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    253 hp/t
    189 kW/t
    3.9 kg/hp
  • Lowest highway consumption
    10.6 L/100 km
    22.2 mpg US
    26.6 mpg UK
  • Best overall score
    66/100
  • Best performance score
    83/100

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    13.2 L/100 km
    17.8 mpg US
    21.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    20.2 L/100 km
    11.6 mpg US
    14.0 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    606 km
    377 mi
  • Largest trunk
    265 L
  • Best economy score
    71/100
  • Best practicality score
    31/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
Power
476hp355kW
394hp294kW
Torque
700Nm516lb-ft
570Nm420lb-ft
Curb weight
1,880kg4,145lb
1,980kg4,365lb
Gross weight
2,200kg4,850lb
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
59.2s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
86.2s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.7s
6.1s
0-200 km/h
15.3s
Calculated
21.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.5s
Calculated
5.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
14.2L/100 km16.6mpg US19.9mpg UK
13.2L/100 km17.8mpg US21.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
20.9L/100 km11.3mpg US13.5mpg UK
20.2L/100 km11.6mpg US14.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
10.6L/100 km22.2mpg US26.6mpg UK
11.3L/100 km20.8mpg US25.0mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.7s
Calculated
14.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
253hp/t189kW/t115hp/1000 lb
Calculated
199hp/t148kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
372Nm/t249lb-ft/ton
Calculated
288Nm/t193lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
563km350mi
Calculated
606km377mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,439cc332cu in
5,987cc365cu in
Length
4,535mm179in
4,470mm176in
Width
1,815mm71in
1,812mm71in
Height
1,295mm51in
1,296mm51in
Wheelbase
2,560mm101in
2,515mm99in
Front track
1,569mm62in
1,532mm60in
Rear track
1,551mm61in
1,521mm60in
Trunk volume
235L
265L
Max trunk volume
317L
-
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) AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V86,100 rpm2,650-4,500 rpm6,350 rpm
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V125,200 rpm3,800 rpm5,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.5 s
5.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.7 s
6.1 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.3 s
21.0 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
2.2 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.6 s
6.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.4 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.8 s
11.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.7 s
14.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
184 km/h
114 mph
167 km/h
103 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
476 hp
355 kW
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
394 hp
294 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8 has 82 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8: 82 hp (61 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
570 Nm
420 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
1,880 kg
4,145 lb
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
1,980 kg
4,365 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)AMG SL 55 V8
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 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 (R230)AMG SL 55 V84.7 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V126.1 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12: 1.4 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)AMG SL 55 V8
14.2 L/100 km
16.6 mpg US
19.9 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8: 1.0 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 (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
253 hp/t
189 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
199 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
563 km
350 mi
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
606 km
377 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
476 hp
355 kW
4.7 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
394 hp
294 kW
6.1 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 (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
Power
476 hp
355 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 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
4,535 mm
178.5 in
Height
1,295 mm
51.0 in
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
Power
394 hp
294 kW
0-100 km/h6.1 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
4,470 mm
176.0 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 (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
Power
476 hp
355 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
14.2 L/100 km
16.6 mpg US
19.9 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
Power
394 hp
294 kW
0-100 km/h6.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 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 (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
14.2 L/100 km
16.6 mpg US
19.9 mpg UK
4.7 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK
6.1 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)AMG SL 55 V8
253 hp/t
189 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
14.2 L/100 km
16.6 mpg US
19.9 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
199 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
Power
476 hp
355 kW
394 hp
294 kW
Torque
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
570 Nm
420 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.7 s
6.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,880 kg
4,145 lb
1,980 kg
4,365 lb
Fuel consumption
14.2 L/100 km
16.6 mpg US
19.9 mpg UK
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
235 L
8.3 cu ft
Length
4,535 mm
178.5 in
Height
1,295 mm
51.0 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Length
4,470 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,296 mm
51.0 in
Range score
563 km
350 mi
606 km
377 mi
Trunk score
235 L
8.3 cu ft
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
253 hp/t
189 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
199 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 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) AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12
Consumption14.2 L/100 km16.6 mpg US19.9 mpg UK13.2 L/100 km17.8 mpg US21.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km24.85 LC100 km23.10 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi39.99 LC100 mi37.18 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,130 L563 US gal469 UK gal1,980 L523 US gal436 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,728 LC/year3,465 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8

  • Has 82 hp more
  • Has 130 Nm more
  • Is 100 kg lighter
  • Is 1.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 54 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12

  • Uses 1.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 43 km (27 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 30 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12
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