2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (242 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 415 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SL | 500 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4972 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 510 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
Torque | 720 Nm | 401 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |