2000 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SL | S |
Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3199 cc | 3818 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 217 HP | 218 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 316 Nm | 306 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1595 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2950 mm |