2007 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 530 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 500 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
