2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 275 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 (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
