2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 292 more horse power than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. (326 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 244 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
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 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLR McLaren | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 781 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 334 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.8 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3050 mm |
