Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6vsMercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016

SL 400 V6

367 hp2996 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTwin-turboRoadster2016-2018
VS

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1995

SL 600 V12

394 hp5987 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster1995-1998

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,660 kg
    3,660 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    221 hp/t
    165 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    10.5 L/100 km
    22.4 mpg US
    26.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.0 L/100 km
    39.2 mpg US
    47.1 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    844 km
    525 mi
  • Largest trunk
    345 L
  • Best overall score
    61/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100
  • Best economy score
    86/100
  • Best practicality score
    34/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
Power
367hp274kW
394hp294kW
Torque
500Nm369lb-ft
570Nm420lb-ft
Curb weight
1,660kg3,660lb
1,975kg4,354lb
Gross weight
2,115kg4,663lb
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
65.6s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
86.1s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
6.1s
0-200 km/h
16.4s
Calculated
20.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
5.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
19.8L/100 km11.9mpg US14.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6L/100 km39.2mpg US47.1mpg UK
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.0s
Calculated
14.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
221hp/t165kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
199hp/t149kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
301Nm/t202lb-ft/ton
Calculated
289Nm/t193lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
844km525mi
Calculated
714km444mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,996cc183cu in
5,987cc365cu 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
1,532mm60in
Rear track
1,604mm63in
1,521mm60in
Trunk volume
345L
265L
Max trunk volume
485L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
65L
80L
CO2 emissions
175g/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 SL 400 V6Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V65,500-6,000 rpm2,000-4,200 rpm6,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V125,200 rpm3,800 rpm5,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
5.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
6.1 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.4 s
20.9 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
2.2 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.7 s
6.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
11.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.0 s
14.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
180 km/h
112 mph
167 km/h
104 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
367 hp
274 kW
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
394 hp
294 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12 has 27 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12: 27 hp (20 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 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 (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
1,660 kg
3,660 lb
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 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 400 V6
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 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 (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V64.9 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V126.1 s

Although Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12 has more power, Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12: 1.2 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 400 V6
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12: 3.5 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 400 V6
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
199 hp/t
149 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 (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
844 km
525 mi
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
714 km
444 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
367 hp
274 kW
4.9 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 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 (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
Power
367 hp
274 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
345 L
12.2 cu ft
Length
4,631 mm
182.3 in
Height
1,315 mm
51.8 in
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 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
4,499 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 400 V6
Power
367 hp
274 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 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
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 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 400 V6
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
4.9 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 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 (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 400 V6Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
Power
367 hp
274 kW
394 hp
294 kW
Torque
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
570 Nm
420 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 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
1,660 kg
3,660 lb
1,975 kg
4,354 lb
Fuel consumption
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
345 L
12.2 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
844 km
525 mi
714 km
444 mi
CO2 score
175 g/km
-
Trunk score
345 L
12.2 cu ft
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
199 hp/t
149 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 (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12
Consumption7.7 L/100 km30.5 mpg US36.7 mpg UK11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km13.48 LC100 km19.60 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi21.69 LC100 mi31.54 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,155 L305 US gal254 UK gal1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,021 LC/year2,940 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6

  • Is 315 kg lighter
  • Is 1.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 3.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 22 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 130 km (81 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 80 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) SL 400 V6
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) SL 600 V12
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2 vehicles selected

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Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 vs Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12 - car comparison - FastVsFaster