Performance Review: Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 - [1989]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SL Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 is the 4 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1989. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Ferrari F40 LM Competizione 2.9 V8 Twin Turbo and the 1989 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10.This particular Mercedes SL Class has a 4973cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The SL Class shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the SL Class's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1889 kgs (4164 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 in the same weight category as the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SL Class shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 4973cc 32V V8 engine produces 322 bhp (240 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 332 lb-ft (450.1 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes SL Class you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2009 Bentley Mulsanne 6.8 V8 Twin Turbo (195.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes SL Class.

The Mercedes SL Class has a Power to weight ratio of 170.4 bhp per ton and 175.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1989 SL Class competing with the 2009 Bentley Mulsanne 6.8 V8 Twin Turbo (195.3 bhp per ton) or the 2003 Maybach 62 5.5 V12 Auto (195.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes SL Class generating around 175.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD DSG 2.0 Turbo Diesel (200.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Subaru Impreza P1 - Classic (200.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.5 secs, this made the Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 as fast as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (6.30 secs) the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (6.30 secs) the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo 5 door (6.30 secs) the or the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (6.30 secs). This Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 is also faster than the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2012 Subaru Forester STi tS 2.5L Turbo (6.40 secs) the and the 2011 Honda Civic 2.0i 16v VTEC Type R - FN2 (6.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SL Class and the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SL Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.86 secs @ 92.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L (14.82 secs), the 1991 Audi V8 4.2 V8 Quattro (14.82 secs), and the 2005 Ford Mustang GT 4.6 V8 Convertible (14.82 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1989 version of the Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1989 SL Class equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1989 Mercedes SL Class 500SL R129 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

1989 SL Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison