Mercedes-Benz 500 SL 0–60 Times
The Mercedes-Benz 500 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 Week and more.
The fastest tested Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.90 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.40 seconds at 100.7 mph, according to Motor Week.
The slowest tested Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster, which took 6.30 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 14.60 seconds at 99.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.
Out of all the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 6.10 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 14.50 seconds at 99.85 mph.
Fastest 0–60
5.90sec
1990 Roadster
Average 0–60
6.10sec
Across 2 runs
Avg ¼ Mile
14.50sec
@ 99.9 mph trap
Slowest 0–60
6.30sec
1990 Roadster
Across 2 verified runs, the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL ranges from 5.90 to 6.30 seconds 0–60, with a 6.10-second average.
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Mercedes-Benz 500 SL 0–60 by generation
1 generation| Generation | Years | Avg 0–60 | Fastest 0–60 | Tests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R129 | 1990–2002 | 6.10s | 5.90s — 1990 Roadster | 2 | The R129 generation (1990–2002) averaged 6.10 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1990 Roadster at 5.90 seconds. Output was 322 hp across 5.0L V8 configurations. |
R129
1990–2002
Avg 0–60
6.10s
Fastest
5.90s
Tests
2
1990 Roadster
The R129 generation (1990–2002) averaged 6.10 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1990 Roadster at 5.90 seconds. Output was 322 hp across 5.0L V8 configurations.
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Mercedes-Benz 500 SL 0–60 times by model year
2 tests · 1 year
▾
1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL
2 verified runs
Avg 0–60
6.10
sec
Avg ¼ Mile
14.50
sec
Recorded Tests
2
#01
1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster
5.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
14.40s
¼ mi @ 100.7 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 5.90 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 14.40 sec
- Trap Speed
- 100.7 mph
- Engine
- 5.0L V8
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- MPG EPA
- 12 C / 17 H / 15 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Roadster
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Week
- Overall Rank
- #1 of 2
#02
1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster
6.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph
0.0s · 0mph
14.60s
¼ mi @ 99.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 6.30 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 14.60 sec
- Trap Speed
- 99.0 mph
- Engine
- 5.0L V8
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- MPG EPA
- 12 C / 17 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Roadster
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #2 of 2
How we verify Mercedes-Benz 500 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 500 SL trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.
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Mercedes-Benz 500 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 500 SL performance FAQs
6 questions
The quickest Mercedes-Benz 500 SL on record is the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster, which runs 0–60 mph in 5.90 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 14.40 seconds at 100.7 mph.
The slowest recorded Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster, which takes 6.30 seconds to reach 60 mph and runs 14.60 seconds in the quarter.
Averaged across all 2 verified runs, a Mercedes-Benz 500 SL reaches 60 mph in 6.10 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 14.50 seconds at roughly 99.9 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 Week. 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 Week
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 500 SL can do, not a single marketing claim.
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Other Mercedes-Benz 0–60 times
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