Performance Review: Mercedes SL Class 560SL V8 R107 - [1986]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SL Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SL Class 560SL V8 R107 is the 4 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1986. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1987 Porsche 959 Turbo and the 1987 Ferrari F40 2.9 V8.This particular Mercedes SL Class has a 5547cc 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 1619 kgs (3569 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SL Class 560SL V8 R107 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo 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 5547cc 16V V8 engine produces 227 bhp (169 kW) @ 4750 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 275 lb-ft (372.8 Nm) @ 3250 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 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 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 2004 Renault Clio 2.0 16V Renaultsport Trophy 182 (165.1 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 140.2 bhp per ton and 169.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1986 SL Class competing with the 2004 Renault Clio 2.0 16V Renaultsport Trophy 182 (165.1 bhp per ton) or the 1990 BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto (165.1 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 169.8 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 2013 Volkswagen-VW Polo R WRC 2.0 Turbo (194.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 1994 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA - Classic JDM (194.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.8 secs, this made the Mercedes SL Class 560SL V8 R107 as fast as the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (6.60 secs) the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI S-tronic Quattro Sportback (6.60 secs) the 2014 Audi A1 1.8 TFSI S-TRONIC (6.60 secs) the or the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TSI 2.0 Turbo (6.60 secs). This Mercedes SL Class 560SL V8 R107 is also faster than the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs) the and the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SL Class and the 1980 Audi Quattro UR-Quattro

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SL Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.9 secs @ 86.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1980 Audi Quattro UR-Quattro (15.85 secs), the 2005 Toyota Corolla TS Compressor 2.0L (15.85 secs), and the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Roadster (15.85 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1986 version of the Mercedes SL Class 560SL V8 R107 has a maximum speed of 149mph.

Top Speed of the 1986 SL Class equals the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1986 Mercedes SL Class 560SL V8 R107 then how about the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph), the 2022 Lotus Eletre S 603 bhp (160 mph), or the 2009 Lotus Evora 3.5 V6 (160 mph).

Related Links:

1986 SL Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison