Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12vsMercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129)

SL 600 V12

394 hp5987 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster1993-1995
VS

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170)

SLK 230 Kompressor

193 hp2295 ccGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster1996-2000

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.1 s
  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    394 hp
    294 kW
  • Highest torque
    570 Nm
    420 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    199 hp/t
    148 kW/t
    5.0 kg/hp
  • Best estimated range
    606 km
    377 mi
  • Largest trunk
    265 L
  • Best overall score
    58/100
  • Best performance score
    71/100
  • Best practicality score
    31/100

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor

  • Lightest
    1,250 kg
    2,756 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.3 L/100 km
    25.3 mpg US
    30.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    13.3 L/100 km
    17.7 mpg US
    21.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.0 L/100 km
    33.6 mpg US
    40.4 mpg UK
  • Best economy score
    82/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
Power
394hp294kW
193hp144kW
Torque
570Nm420lb-ft
280Nm207lb-ft
Curb weight
1,980kg4,365lb
1,250kg2,756lb
Gross weight
2,320kg5,115lb
1,585kg3,494lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
231 km/h
144 mph
To 99% top speed
86.2s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
80.3s99% target: 229 km/h / 142 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.1s
7.4s
0-200 km/h
21.0s
Calculated
31.2s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.8s
Calculated
7.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
13.2L/100 km17.8mpg US21.4mpg UK
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
20.2L/100 km11.6mpg US14.0mpg UK
13.3L/100 km17.7mpg US21.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
11.3L/100 km20.8mpg US25.0mpg UK
7L/100 km33.6mpg US40.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.1s
Calculated
15.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
199hp/t148kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
154hp/t115kW/t70hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
288Nm/t193lb-ft/ton
Calculated
224Nm/t150lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
606km377mi
Calculated
570km354mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,987cc365cu in
2,295cc140cu in
Length
4,470mm176in
3,995mm157in
Width
1,812mm71in
1,715mm68in
Height
1,296mm51in
1,284mm51in
Wheelbase
2,515mm99in
2,400mm94in
Front track
1,532mm60in
1,488mm59in
Rear track
1,521mm60in
1,485mm58in
Trunk volume
265L
145L
Max trunk volume-
348L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
80L
53L

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 (R129) SL 600 V12Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 KompressorPowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V125,200 rpm3,800 rpm5,450 rpm
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor5,300 rpm2,500-4,800 rpm5,550 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.8 s
7.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.1 s
7.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
21.0 s
31.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
231 km/h
144 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.2 s
6.7 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.3 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.9 s
12.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.1 s
15.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
167 km/h
103 mph
152 km/h
95 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
394 hp
294 kW
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
193 hp
144 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12 has 201 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12: 201 hp (150 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
570 Nm
420 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
280 Nm
207 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
1,980 kg
4,365 lb
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
1,250 kg
2,756 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 (R129)SL 600 V12
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
231 km/h
144 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V126.1 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor7.4 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor: 1.3 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 (R129)SL 600 V12
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12: 3.9 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 (R129)SL 600 V12
199 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
154 hp/t
115 kW/t
6.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
606 km
377 mi
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
570 km
354 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12
394 hp
294 kW
6.1 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
193 hp
144 kW
7.4 s
231 km/h
144 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 (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
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
231 km/h
144 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
145 L
5.1 cu ft
Length
3,995 mm
157.3 in
Height
1,284 mm
50.6 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 (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-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
231 km/h
144 mph
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) 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 (R129)SL 600 V12
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK
6.1 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
7.4 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 (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
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
154 hp/t
115 kW/t
6.5 kg/hp
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R129)SL 600 V12Mercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
Power
394 hp
294 kW
193 hp
144 kW
Torque
570 Nm
420 lb-ft
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.1 s
7.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
231 km/h
144 mph
Lightness
1,980 kg
4,365 lb
1,250 kg
2,756 lb
Fuel consumption
13.2 L/100 km
17.8 mpg US
21.4 mpg UK
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
Practicality
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
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
145 L
5.1 cu ft
Length
3,995 mm
157.3 in
Height
1,284 mm
50.6 in
Range score
606 km
377 mi
570 km
354 mi
Trunk score
265 L
9.4 cu ft
145 L
5.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
199 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
154 hp/t
115 kW/t
6.5 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 (R129) SL 600 V12Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor
Consumption13.2 L/100 km17.8 mpg US21.4 mpg UK9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km23.10 LC100 km16.28 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi37.18 LC100 mi26.19 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,980 L523 US gal436 UK gal1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,465 LC/year2,441 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12

  • Has 201 hp more
  • Has 290 Nm more
  • Is 1.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 39 km/h (24 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 45 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 36 km (22 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 120 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) SLK 230 Kompressor
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