Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 0–60 Times
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 2 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver and Motor Trend and more.
The fastest tested Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 8.60 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 16.80 seconds at 84.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.
The slowest tested Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster, which took 8.70 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 16.40 seconds at 82.8 mph, according to Motor Trend.
Out of all the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 8.65 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.60 seconds at 83.40 mph.
Fastest 0–60
8.60sec
1971 Roadster · stock
Average 0–60
8.65sec
Across 2 runs
Avg ¼ Mile
16.60sec
@ 83.4 mph trap
Slowest 0–60
8.70sec
1971 Roadster
Across 2 verified runs, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ranges from 8.60 to 8.70 seconds 0–60, with a 8.65-second average.
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Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 0–60 Times by Generation
1 generation| Generation | Years | Avg 0–60 | Fastest 0–60 | Tests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R107 | 1971–1989 | 8.65s | 8.60s — 1971 Roadster | 2 | The R107 generation (1971–1989) averaged 8.65 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1971 Roadster at 8.60 seconds. Output was 180 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations. |
R107
1971–1989
Avg 0–60
8.65s
Fastest
8.60s
Tests
2
1971 Roadster
The R107 generation (1971–1989) averaged 8.65 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1971 Roadster at 8.60 seconds. Output was 180 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations.
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Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 0–60 Times by Year and Trim
2 tests · 1 year
▾
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL
2 verified runs
Avg 0–60
8.65
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
16.60
sec
Recorded Tests
2
#01
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster
8.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.80s
¼ mi @ 84.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.60 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.80 sec
- Trap Speed
- 84.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.8L I-6
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Torque
- 193 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,150 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 17.5 lbs/hp
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Roadster
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #1 of 2
#02
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster
8.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
16.40s
¼ mi @ 82.8 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.70 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.40 sec
- Trap Speed
- 82.8 mph
- Engine
- 2.8L I-6
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Torque
- 193 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,150 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 17.5 lbs/hp
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Roadster
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #2 of 2
How we verify Mercedes-Benz 280 SL performance data
We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Mercedes-Benz 280 SL trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.
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Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution
0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is fasterEach dot is a recorded test run
0–60 →
¼ mile →
Fastest
Recorded run
Slowest
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Mercedes-Benz 280 SL performance FAQs
6 questions
The quickest Mercedes-Benz 280 SL on record is the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster, which runs 0–60 mph in 8.60 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 16.80 seconds at 84.0 mph.
The slowest recorded Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster, which takes 8.70 seconds to reach 60 mph and runs 16.40 seconds in the quarter.
Averaged across all 2 verified runs, a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL reaches 60 mph in 8.65 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 16.60 seconds at roughly 83.4 mph.
We have verified test data for 1 model year. Each year shows every recorded run, the publication that measured it, and the trim-level details.
Every figure is sourced from published road tests by Car and Driver and Motor Trend. We don't use manufacturer claims — only independently timed runs — so the numbers reflect what the car actually does.
0–60 and quarter-mile results depend on driver technique, ambient temperature, tire condition, road surface, altitude, and testing instrumentation. A published figure is a single sample, not an absolute — which is why we show the range of verified runs rather than one number.
Sources
Car and Driver
Motor Trend
0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL can do, not a single marketing claim.
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Other Mercedes-Benz 0–60 times
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