2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (641 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 174 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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 SLR McLaren (820 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 587 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLR McLaren | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 820 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 337 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.9 seconds | 11 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 | 1724 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 90 L |
