Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8

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 SLK (R171)

AMG SLK 55 V8

360 hp5439 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster2004-2007

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
  • Best power-to-weight
    253 hp/t
    189 kW/t
    3.9 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    235 L
  • Best overall score
    66/100
  • Best performance score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    30/100

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8

  • Lightest
    1,465 kg
    3,230 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    12.0 L/100 km
    19.6 mpg US
    23.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.7 L/100 km
    13.3 mpg US
    16.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.8 L/100 km
    26.7 mpg US
    32.1 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    583 km
    362 mi
  • Best economy score
    75/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
Power
476hp355kW
360hp268kW
Torque
700Nm516lb-ft
510Nm376lb-ft
Curb weight
1,880kg4,145lb
1,465kg3,230lb
Gross weight
2,200kg4,850lb
1,850kg4,079lb
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
61.3s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.7s
4.9s
0-200 km/h
15.3s
Calculated
15.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.5s
Calculated
4.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
14.2L/100 km16.6mpg US19.9mpg UK
12L/100 km19.6mpg US23.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
20.9L/100 km11.3mpg US13.5mpg UK
17.7L/100 km13.3mpg US16.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
10.6L/100 km22.2mpg US26.6mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.7s
Calculated
12.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
253hp/t189kW/t115hp/1000 lb
Calculated
246hp/t183kW/t111hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
372Nm/t249lb-ft/ton
Calculated
348Nm/t233lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
563km350mi
Calculated
583km362mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,439cc332cu in
5,439cc332cu in
Length
4,535mm179in
4,087mm161in
Width
1,815mm71in
1,794mm71in
Height
1,295mm51in
1,271mm50in
Wheelbase
2,560mm101in
2,430mm96in
Front track
1,569mm62in
1,524mm60in
Rear track
1,551mm61in
1,549mm61in
Trunk volume
235L
208L
Max trunk volume
317L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
80L
70L

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 SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8: 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V85,750 rpm4,000 rpm6,000 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.5 s
4.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.7 s
4.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.3 s
15.9 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
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.6 s
5.7 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.4 s
8.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.8 s
10.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.7 s
12.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
184 km/h
114 mph
182 km/h
113 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
360 hp
268 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8 has 116 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8: 116 hp (87 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
510 Nm
376 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
1,465 kg
3,230 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V84.9 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8: 0.2 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 (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
14.2 L/100 km
16.6 mpg US
19.9 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8: 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 (R230)AMG SL 55 V8
253 hp/t
189 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
246 hp/t
183 kW/t
4.1 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
583 km
362 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
360 hp
268 kW
4.9 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
Power
360 hp
268 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
208 L
7.3 cu ft
Length
4,087 mm
160.9 in
Height
1,271 mm
50.0 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
Power
360 hp
268 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
4.9 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-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
246 hp/t
183 kW/t
4.1 kg/hp
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8
Power
476 hp
355 kW
360 hp
268 kW
Torque
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
510 Nm
376 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.7 s
4.9 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
1,465 kg
3,230 lb
Fuel consumption
14.2 L/100 km
16.6 mpg US
19.9 mpg UK
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 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
208 L
7.3 cu ft
Length
4,087 mm
160.9 in
Height
1,271 mm
50.0 in
Range score
563 km
350 mi
583 km
362 mi
Trunk score
235 L
8.3 cu ft
208 L
7.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
253 hp/t
189 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
246 hp/t
183 kW/t
4.1 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 SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8
Consumption14.2 L/100 km16.6 mpg US19.9 mpg UK12 L/100 km19.6 mpg US23.5 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km24.85 LC100 km21.00 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi39.99 LC100 mi33.80 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,130 L563 US gal469 UK gal1,800 L476 US gal396 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,728 LC/year3,150 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8

  • Has 116 hp more
  • Has 190 Nm more
  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 7 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 27 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
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8

  • Is 415 kg lighter
  • Uses 2.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 20 km (12 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

AMG SL 55 V8
SL 600 V12
VS
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2006SL 600 V12
AMG SLK 55 V8
AMG SLK 32 V6
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R170)Facelift 2000AMG SLK 32 V6
AMG SL 55 V8
AMG SL 73 V12
VS
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1998AMG SL 73 V12
AMG SLK 55 V8
AMG SLK 55 V8
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008AMG SLK 55 V8
AMG SL 55 V8
SL 600 V12
VS
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R230)Facelift 2008SL 600 V12
AMG SLK 55 V8
AMG SLK 55 V8
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R172)AMG SLK 55 V8
AMG SL 55 V8
SL 500 V8
VS
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
AMG SLK 55 V8
SLK 230 Kompressor
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
AMG SL 55 V8
AMG SL 60 V8
VS
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R129)Facelift 1995AMG SL 60 V8
AMG SLK 55 V8
SL 600 V12
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)AMG SLK 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R230)SL 600 V12
AMG SL 55 V8
AMG SL 63
VS
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R231)AMG SL 63
AMG SL 55 V8
AMG SL 55 V8
VS
Mercedes-BenzSL (R230)AMG SL 55 V8vsMercedes-BenzSL (R232)AMG SL 55 V8
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) AMG SL 55 V8 vs Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) AMG SLK 55 V8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster