2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 364 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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 SLK (706 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 401 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | 380 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 706 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 280 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
