Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8vsMercedes-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 500 V8

456 hp4663 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 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
  • Most powerful
    456 hp
    340 kW
  • Highest torque
    700 Nm
    516 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,720 kg
    3,792 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    265 hp/t
    198 kW/t
    3.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.0 L/100 km
    26.1 mpg US
    31.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.4 L/100 km
    19.0 mpg US
    22.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.0 L/100 km
    33.6 mpg US
    40.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    722 km
    449 mi
  • Largest trunk
    345 L
  • Best overall score
    67/100
  • Best performance score
    83/100
  • Best economy score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    34/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
Power
456hp340kW
394hp294kW
Torque
700Nm516lb-ft
570Nm420lb-ft
Curb weight
1,720kg3,792lb
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
55.6s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
86.1s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.3s
6.1s
0-200 km/h
14.2s
Calculated
20.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.1s
Calculated
5.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.4L/100 km19mpg US22.8mpg UK
19.8L/100 km11.9mpg US14.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7L/100 km33.6mpg US40.4mpg UK
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.3s
Calculated
14.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
265hp/t198kW/t120hp/1000 lb
Calculated
199hp/t149kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
407Nm/t272lb-ft/ton
Calculated
289Nm/t193lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
722km449mi
Calculated
714km444mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,663cc285cu 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
205g/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 500 V8Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: 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 500 V85,250 rpm1,800-3,500 rpm5,500 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 500 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.1 s
5.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.3 s
6.1 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
14.2 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
2.1 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.4 s
6.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.1 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.4 s
11.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.3 s
14.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
188 km/h
117 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 500 V8
456 hp
340 kW
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
394 hp
294 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 has 62 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: 62 hp (46 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 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 500 V8
1,720 kg
3,792 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 500 V8
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 500 V84.3 s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V126.1 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12: 1.8 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
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 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 500 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12: 2.2 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
265 hp/t
198 kW/t
3.8 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 500 V8
722 km
449 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 500 V8
456 hp
340 kW
4.3 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 500 V8
Power
456 hp
340 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
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 500 V8
Power
456 hp
340 kW
0-100 km/h4.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 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 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
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
4.3 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 500 V8
265 hp/t
198 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 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 500 V8Mercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995SL 600 V12
Power
456 hp
340 kW
394 hp
294 kW
Torque
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
570 Nm
420 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.3 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
1,720 kg
3,792 lb
1,975 kg
4,354 lb
Fuel consumption
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 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
722 km
449 mi
714 km
444 mi
CO2 score
205 g/km
-
Trunk score
345 L
12.2 cu ft
265 L
9.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
265 hp/t
198 kW/t
3.8 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 500 V8Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12
Consumption9 L/100 km26.1 mpg US31.4 mpg UK11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.75 LC100 km19.60 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.35 LC100 mi31.54 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,350 L357 US gal297 UK gal1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,363 LC/year2,940 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

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

  • Has 62 hp more
  • Has 130 Nm more
  • Is 255 kg lighter
  • Is 1.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 2.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 66 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 8 km (5 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 80 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) SL 500 V8
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 500 V8 vs Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) · Facelift 1995 SL 600 V12 - car comparison - FastVsFaster