2009 Audi R8 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (414 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (240 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2009 Audi R8 has manual transmission. 2009 Audi R8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | R8 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 301 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
