1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 435 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 295 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 617 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 334 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 98 L |
