2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (240 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 255 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 599 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 661 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 228 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 | 1365 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
