2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1989 Porsche 944
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Porsche 944 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 458 more horse power than 1989 Porsche 944. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1989 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 508 kg more than 1989 Porsche 944. 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 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Porsche 944. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Porsche 944. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1989 Porsche 944 has manual transmission. 1989 Porsche 944 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1989 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SLR McLaren | 944 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 781 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 66 L |
