Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxk.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!houxm!ihnp4!ihuxk!rs55611 From: rs55611@ihuxk.UUCP (Robert E. Schleicher) Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: Re: My final word on muscle cars! (line feed) Message-ID: <655@ihuxk.UUCP> Date: Tue, 12-Jun-84 14:22:58 EDT Article-I.D.: ihuxk.655 Posted: Tue Jun 12 14:22:58 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 13-Jun-84 01:17:41 EDT References: <188@ssc-vax.UUCP> <2003@rlgvax.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL Lines: 19 I haven't seen figures for the 6.9 liter Mercedes engine (450SEL 6.9), but have some familiarity with its predecessor, the 6.3 liter engine used in the 1969-1971 (I think) 300SEL 6.3. This produced 300 hp (DIN, I think), and 400 ft-lbs. of torque. 6.3 liters is about 380 cubes, or so. At the time, the 300SEL 6.3 was the fastest sedan in the world, despite a weight of over 4000 lbs. It would do 0-60 in about 6 seconds, and had a top speed of 145 mph. All this with power windows, sunroof, cushy leather seating for 5, and lots of walnut on the dash. The car also had an interesting air suspension system with no springs. This was quite similar to the current Lincoln system, with ride height sensors, and a compressed air system run off of an engine belt. A button under the dash could be pulled to give 2 extra inches of ground clearance, for "rough road use". I've got a 300SEL 3.5, which is identical, except for the smaller V-8 used in the 350SL sports car. This will only do 0-60 in ~9-9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 127 mph. With 136,000 miles on it, it still feels rock-solid. Bob Schleicher ihuxk!rs55611