1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 505 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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 SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 500 | SL |
Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4972 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 242 HP | 510 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 401 Nm | 830 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 2045 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |