Performance Review: Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 - [1985]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SL Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 is the 4 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1985. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV and the 1985 TVR 390 SE 3.9l V8.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 1605 kgs (3538 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 in the same weight category as the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SL Class shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 4973cc 16V V8 engine produces 242 bhp (180 kW) @ 4750 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (266 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 295 lb-ft (399.9 Nm) @ 3750 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 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 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (175.6 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 150.7 bhp per ton and 183.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1985 SL Class competing with the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (175.6 bhp per ton) or the 1997 Mercedes SL Class 500 (175.3 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 183.8 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 1983 Ford Capri Tickford Turbo (208.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Sport Coupe 1st Gen (208.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this made the Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 as fast as the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs) the or the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs). This Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 is also faster than the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the and the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SL Class and the 1992 Rover 200 220 Coupe Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SL Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.52 secs @ 88.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1992 Rover 200 220 Coupe Turbo (15.45 secs), the 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX - Blobeye (15.45 secs), and the 2008 BMW X5 4.8i V8 (15.45 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1985 version of the Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 has a maximum speed of 134mph.

Top Speed of the 1985 SL Class equals the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (145 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1985 Mercedes SL Class 500SL V8 R107 then how about the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (145 mph), the 2019 Lotus Exige Sport 350 Roadster 3.5 V6 (145 mph), or the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (145 mph).

Related Links:

1985 SL Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison