fuel economy - mpg

[SLaholic]

Which of the SL range is the most economical in fuel? a friend of mine owns a 300sl 24valve and claims it's more economical than a 280sl, is ther any truth to that?
Any replies would be appreciated.

 

[Matt Crooke]

fuel economy

I cant give you exact figures, but there is a fine line between the car weight to engine power ratio.

For example, you have a car that weighs a ton, Drop in a 1.3 litre engine and although in theory the engine is an econmical one, it will have to work twice as hard to haul the thing along. Exchange for a 2.0 litre engine, then although bigger and logically would use more fuel because of this, the engine has to work that much less to move the car because of the extra power. On the other end of the scale, drop in a 3.0 litre engine and although it will haul the car along effortlessly, because it is that much bigger it will use more fuel.

Sorry for the waffle, and i hope that makes some sort of sense!!

 

[sjg]

280SL economy

economy depends on gearing as well as engine size. An older box doing 3500rpm at 70 will use more than a newer one set to 3000rpm at 70mph

 

[jberks]

Your friends view sounds right. I have the E240 which is slower and no more economical than the E320, purely down to the power and weight issue. Trickling along at 70 I might get a little more mpg but overall I won't. The 300 24v is going to be a more modern design and so more efficient too.