Performance Review: Mercedes SL Class 450SL V8 R107 - [1971]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SL Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SL Class 450SL V8 R107 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1971. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1971 Chevrolet Corvette C3 ZR2 Stingray 7.4 V8 Convertible and the 1971 Ford Mustang 351 5.8 V8 Convertible.This particular Mercedes SL Class has a 4520cc 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 1580 kgs (3483 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SL Class 450SL V8 R107 in the same weight category as the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 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 4520cc 16V V8 engine produces 221 bhp (164 kW) @ 5000 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 279 lb-ft (378.2 Nm) @ 3000 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 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 (164.8 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 139.8 bhp per ton and 176.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1971 SL Class competing with the 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 (164.8 bhp per ton) or the 2014 BMW 6 Series 640d XDrive (164.7 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 176.5 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 2012 Porsche Boxster S 3.4L (201.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI GSR (201.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.9 secs, this made the Mercedes SL Class 450SL V8 R107 as fast as the 2012 Jaguar XJ V6 (8.60 secs) the 2006 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.6 TDV8 (8.60 secs) the 2004 Audi A4 1.8T Sport (8.60 secs) the or the 2003 Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.0 FSI (8.60 secs). This Mercedes SL Class 450SL V8 R107 is also faster than the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (8.70 secs) the 2011 Renault Twingo 1.6 133 Renaultsport Cup (8.70 secs) the 2009 Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi 200 GT (8.70 secs) the and the 2003 Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 24v Comfortronic (8.70 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 15.92 secs @ 85.9 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 1971 version of the Mercedes SL Class 450SL V8 R107 has a maximum speed of 134mph.

Top Speed of the 1971 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 1971 Mercedes SL Class 450SL 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:

1971 SL Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison