Performance Review: Mercedes SL Class 55 AMG V8 R230 - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SL Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SL Class 55 AMG V8 R230 is the 5 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2001. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2001 Lamborghini Diablo GTR 6.0L V12 and the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12.This particular Mercedes SL Class has a 5439cc Supercharged 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 1955 kgs (4310 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SL Class 55 AMG V8 R230 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SL Class shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp)

In terms of power the 5439cc 24V V8 engine produces 469 bhp (349 kW) @ 6100 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (493 bhp).

The Supercharged V8 throws out 516 lb-ft (699.6 Nm) @ 2650 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (524 lb-ft) or the 2023 Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12 Petrol Hybrid (535 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 2012 Maserati Quattroporte GTS 3.8 V8 Biturbo (264.8 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 239.8 bhp per ton and 263.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 SL Class competing with the 2012 Maserati Quattroporte GTS 3.8 V8 Biturbo (264.8 bhp per ton) or the 2017 Mercedes S Class 63 AMG Saloon (264.6 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 263.9 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 2008 Wiesmann GT MF4 (288.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo 997 (288.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.9 secs, this made the Mercedes SL Class 55 AMG V8 R230 as fast as the 2022 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo ALL4 (4.70 secs) the 2020 BMW X4 M40d 3.0 Turbo (4.70 secs) the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo AWD (4.70 secs) the or the 2020 KIA Stinger GT2 3.3 V6 Turbo (4.70 secs). This Mercedes SL Class 55 AMG V8 R230 is also faster than the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (4.80 secs) the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (4.80 secs) the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.7 V12 Turbo (4.80 secs) the and the 2017 Maserati GranCabrio Sport 4.7 V8 (4.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SL Class and the 1997 Honda NSX T 3.2 V6

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SL Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.26 secs @ 103.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1997 Honda NSX T 3.2 V6 (13.21 secs), the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type UK - Hawkeye (13.21 secs), and the 2019 Toyota Supra GR 3.0 Turbo (13.21 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2001 version of the Mercedes SL Class 55 AMG V8 R230 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes SL Class 55 AMG V8 R230 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:

2001 SL Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison