1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 23 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 436 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 218 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (781 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 548 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| 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 | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 781 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 334 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| 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 | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 98 L |
