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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
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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