Mercedes E55 vs. Mercedes SL65 – Drag Test Video – Road Test TV

This video captures a 2005 Mercedes E55 AMG vs. a 2006 Mercedes SL65 AMG at Palm Beach International Raceway. Even though the E55 has a supercharged V8, it was no match for the V12 twin turbo under the hood of the SL65.

Begininng in 2003, the Mercedes E55 AMG was powered by a 5.4 liter supercharged V8.  The supercharged V8 engine was also installed in the S, SL, CL and CLS in addition to the E class.  However, the E55 was the lightest of the bunch and more often the quickest. In the E55, the 5.4 liter engine was rated at 469 horsepower (350 kW) and 516 lb/ft of torque (700Nm) between 2650 and 4500 rpm.

The first year of the SL65 was 2005 and is powered by a 612 horspower V12 BiTurbo that makes 738 lb/ft of torque and is mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission. Other than some minor tweaks, the 6.0 liter V12 has remained relatively the same for the last seven (7) years. Even is stock form, if traction is available, a SL65 can run 11 second quarter mile times consistently. With an ECU tune and drag radials, the SL65 can cover the quarter mile in the mid to high 10 second range.