1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 64 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 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 561 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1944 Mercedes-Benz 500. (440 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | SL |
| Year Released | 1944 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 5.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2406 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
