In this message board I read a lot about 500E and it's great(would like to get one in the future) but yesterday I saw a SL500 and I started to think about the performance of SL500 vs 500E. SL should be faster 0 to 100km/h because it's liter. So any opinions on that topic?

MP,
The SL500 is actually several hundred lbs heavier than the 500E and for the years that both it and the 500E existed in the linup the SL500 had taller gearing. (2.65 for the SL and 2.82 for the 500E) Don't get me wrong, the SL500 still is a quick machine, but it is no 500E. The combo of more weight (3800lbs for the 500E vs 4200lbs for the SL500), slightly less power, and taller gearing all hurt the SL500's performance vs the 500E. I know the 500E's CD was 0.32 but I don't have that spec on the SL500 in front of me. I'd imagine that it would be worse so no advantage there. If you want something to cruise in, get the SL500 as it will give you good performance with some pomp/prestige. It also has the upside of being a convertible. The 500E is more suited to being able to take out a corvette but looking very low key (stealth). (think hit-man in an armani suit)

Handling will also go to the 500E as all the Sl's I've ever driven feel very disconnected and heavy. The 500E's feel much more direct and precise. Guess that is the 400+lbs less weight and Porsche suspension making itself known. You could say the 500E is "part 300E, part 500SL, and part Porsche" Drive both cars and see which one appeals to you the most. That will give you the answer more than any spec or table. Whichever one pastes the biggest grin on your face the longest wins...

Hope this helps...Lee

Couple points I would like to point out, is that, SL500 and 500E has the same engine, tranny, but different final ratio. However, as Lee mentioned, the weight kills on SL500. The Cd for 500E 0.32, and 0.34 for SL with soft-top up. As for disconnected feel Lee discribed, it's again related to the weight of the car. Beside, SLs are designed to be cruising, not racing.. :)

Still it's a very fun car to drive....

Andy Kuo

The 500E, I believe, while having the same engine, had different fuel injection system and intake manifold providing more horsepower than the engine combo in the 500 SL.

John

The 500Es had LH fuel injection, like the 500SELs, which netted a torque but no horsepower advantage over the SLs.

Later SLs (I think 95+) got the LH injection system, and with it the extra torque.

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

Revbond and Michael,

Thnx for point that out. Missed that one.. :)

Andy Kuo

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Lee,

It's quite a surprise for me that SL is heavier.
I'm not a cruiser type of person so 500E would be more suited for me.

Thank's for all replys,

Hitman :-)