260226

I have found a very nice 1980 450SL. I've already had it inspected by a 3rd party, and I'll be checking it out this weekend for myself.

Here's my question: I've noticed the bhp was dropped to 160 in the final 450SL year, 1980. Is this any reason to re-consider buying one, over say an equally maintained 560SL? I've done some in depth research, but this will be my first SL, so I'm a little tentative to pull the trigger. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

RALSL

The horsepower drop was, I believe, for emissions related reasons. The obvious difference is that at 160hp, this car will not exactly be a drag racer, but that's probably not why you're buying it. At that hp number, you might be better off going with a 1981-1985 380 SL, as this car's engine has similar hp (155), but the motor was specifically designed for US emissions requirements. I believe that there were some driveability issues with the 4.5 due to the emissions equipment (hard starting, vapor lock, etc.) The only thing to be aware of, should you decide to look for a 1981 through 1985 380 SL (besides all the other typical used car caveats), is to absolutely make sure that the cam chains have been updated to the dual row chain.

If you have more money in the budget, the best R107 SL is the last one, the 560SL, as it has the most power and the least issues. However, they cost more predictably. Good luck.