Germany vs Germany — 1990 vs 1990
| SL 500SL (R129) | S-Class S 600 (W140) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 322 hp | 394 hp |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,973 cc | 5,987 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 5.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 14.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,990 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,515 mm | 3,040 mm |
| Length | 4,470 mm | 5,213 mm |
| Units Produced | 85,000 | — |
| Original MSRP | $82,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $50,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL 500SL (R129) brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1990 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 600 (W140) answers with more power, quicker acceleration. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Mercedes-Benz has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL 500SL (R129) with the 1990 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 600 (W140) highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 600 (W140) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 394 hp compared to 322 hp, a 72-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz SL uses a V8 DOHC 32V (M119) displacing 4,973 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class relies on a V12 SOHC 24V with 5,987 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 600 (W140) edges ahead at 5.9 seconds versus 6.2 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.