2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 316 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | SLK | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2960 mm |
