2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (511 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 400 kg more than 1979 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SL | 280 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 511 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 720 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 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 | 1560 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 |