2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1989 TVR 400
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 TVR 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 TVR 400 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 343 more horse power than 1989 TVR 400. (275 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1989 TVR 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 675 kg more than 1989 TVR 400. 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 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 TVR 400. (366 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 TVR 400. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1989 TVR 400 has manual transmission. 1989 TVR 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1989 TVR 400 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | SLR McLaren | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 332 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
