1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 210 kg more than 1980 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 280 | SL |
Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 182 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 233 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |