2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1981 Porsche 930
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 3,297 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 930 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Porsche 930.
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, 1981 Porsche 930 (431 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 930 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1981 Porsche 930 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SLK | 930 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
