Performance Review: Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG V8 R230 - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SL Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG V8 R230 is the 7 speed / Semi-Auto version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.This particular Mercedes SL Class has a 6208cc 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 1970 kgs (4343 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG V8 R230 in the same weight category as the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SL Class shares the same bhp with the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp)

In terms of power the 6208cc 32V V8 engine produces 518 bhp (386 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (542 bhp) or the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 465 lb-ft (630.4 Nm) @ 5200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (470 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 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 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena F1 (287.7 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 262.9 bhp per ton and 236.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 SL Class competing with the 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena F1 (287.7 bhp per ton) or the 2017 Vauxhall-Opel VXR8 GTS-R Automatic (287.7 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 236.0 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 2017 Lotus Exige 360 Cup 3.5 V6 (261.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2011 Audi R8 GT 5.2L V10 (260.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.6 secs, this made the Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG V8 R230 as fast as the 2022 BMW i7 xDrive60 (4.50 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs) the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 6.6 V12 Twin turbo (4.50 secs) the or the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Cabrio 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs). This Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG V8 R230 is also faster than the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i 3.0 Cabrio Turbo F23 (4.60 secs) the and the 2020 Audi A3 S3 Saloon (4.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SL Class and the 1978 BMW M1 3.5 2d Manual

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SL Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.96 secs @ 105.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1978 BMW M1 3.5 2d Manual (12.91 secs), the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 SRT-6 2d Auto (12.91 secs), and the 1964 Pontiac GTO 6.4 V8 (12.91 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG V8 R230 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 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 2008 Mercedes SL Class 63 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:

2008 SL Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison