2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 433 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 435 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLR McLaren | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 14.7 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 18.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 70 L |
