2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Plymouth Volare
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 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Volare 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 410 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 490 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Volare. 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 489 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Volare. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Volare.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | SL | Volare |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
