1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 381 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1944 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 5.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2406 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 80 L |
